Political Fund Scandal Rocks Japan's Ruling Party
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing a growing backlash over its handling of a political fund scandal, with calls for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to be held accountable.
The scandal involves the Abe and Nikai factions of the LDP, which have been accused of keeping fundraising party revenues off the books for years. The Party Ethics Committee is expected to decide on disciplinary measures against 39 lawmakers on April 4th.
Among those facing the harshest punishment are Ryu Shionoya and Hiroshige Seko, who are expected to be asked to leave the LDP. This decision has sparked discontent within the party, with some members arguing that it is unfair to punish only those who exceeded a certain fundraising threshold.
Adding to the controversy is the fact that Prime Minister Kishida will not face any disciplinary action, despite the fact that his faction's former accounting official was charged with failing to report fundraising party revenues. This has led to accusations that Kishida is being given preferential treatment.
The LDP's decision not to take any action against Toshihiro Nikai, whose aide was charged with failing to report 35.26 million yen in fundraising party revenues, has also raised eyebrows. Nikai has announced that he will not seek re-election in the next Lower House election.
The scandal has damaged the LDP's reputation and could have a significant impact on the upcoming Upper House election. It remains to be seen how the party will address the growing discontent within its ranks and regain the public's trust.