Japan PM pledges to 'restore trust' as fundraising scandal rocks government

 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, facing a fundraising scandal that has severely impacted his government's public standing, vowed on Monday to take decisive actions to rebuild trust. Reports suggest that Kishida is considering a cabinet purge to address the allegations and salvage the reputation of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), facing its most significant political challenge since regaining power in 2012.

Over the weekend, a poll indicated a historic low in public approval for Kishida's administration. Media reports on Monday hinted at the opposition party preparing a no-confidence motion against high-profile minister Hirokazu Matsuno, a key figure implicated in the fundraising scandal.

"We'll consider appropriate measures at the right time to restore public trust and prevent delays in national politics," stated Kishida in response to the unfolding situation.

The Asahi newspaper disclosed on Sunday that Kishida is contemplating replacing four ministers and 11 other ministerial positions in his cabinet, with a potential reshuffle as early as Thursday. Among those rumored to be replaced are Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno, Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Internal Affairs Minister Junji Suzuki, and Agriculture Minister Ichiro Miyashita. The proposed changes also include deputies and parliamentary secretaries.

Matsuno expressed his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities, while Nishimura stated his intention to remain in office and review his fundraising proceeds. Suzuki and Miyashita have yet to comment on the allegations.

The implicated officials, reportedly part of the LDP's influential Seiwa-kai faction, led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, are accused of concealing significant political funds over five years, prompting investigations by prosecutors.

The LDP, a dominant force in Japan's post-war era, is scheduled to conduct leadership elections in September, with a general election expected by October 2025 at the latest. The scandal's ramifications could trigger internal power struggles within the party, influencing the outcomes of the leadership contest and party management.

Kishida is slated to hold a press conference on Wednesday after the current parliamentary session to elucidate his administration's responses to the crisis.

Since assuming office in October 2021, Kishida has witnessed a decline in his cabinet's approval ratings, primarily attributed to concerns among voters about rising living costs and anticipated tax hikes to fund ambitious military expansion plans. A Fuji News Network-Sankei poll released on Monday depicted a record-low popularity level for his administration at 22.5%, down 5.3 percentage points from the previous month. In the survey, approximately 46% of respondents favored Kishida remaining in power until his LDP leadership tenure expires in September, while around 41% called for his immediate replacement.