The new veterinary school at the center of favoritism allegations leveled at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has obtained formal approval to open in Ehime Prefecture, education minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday.

The approval enables the school operator, run by Abe's close friend Kotaro Kake, to launch the country's first new veterinary department in over half a century next April in a government-designated deregulation zone, despite the scandal that at one point hurt the prime minister's approval ratings.

Suspicions remain as to whether Abe used his influence to sway a government decision to set up the department, with opposition parties expected to intensify their questioning over the issue. Abe has flatly denied any involvement.