14-12-2023 (TOKYO) Four Japanese ministers resigned on Thursday amid a major corruption scandal that has engulfed the ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The scandal revolves around allegations of kickbacks amounting to 500 million yen (US$3.4 million) within the faction-ridden LDP, which has been the dominant political force in the world’s third-largest economy for decades.
Media reports have hinted at upcoming raids on offices and interviews with dozens of lawmakers by prosecutors later this week, intensifying the political turmoil.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno confirmed his resignation, along with Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Internal Affairs Minister Junji Suzuki, and Agriculture Minister Ichiro Miyashita. Additionally, Michiko Ueno, a special advisor to the prime minister, and five deputy ministers are leaving their positions.
Nishimura addressed reporters, acknowledging the public’s concerns over political funds, saying, “The public’s doubts are around me over political funds, which is leading to distrust in the government. As an investigation is going on, I thought I wanted to set things right.”
Prime Minister Kishida, facing the worst poll ratings for any premier since the LDP returned to power in 2012, vowed to confront the allegations head-on. “I will make efforts like a ball of fire and lead the LDP to restore the public’s trust,” he stated.
The corruption scandal involves alleged kickbacks directed to party members who exceeded their ticket sales quotas for fundraising events. A senior official revealed the ease with which individuals could benefit, stating, “If you are confident of selling (tickets), if you sell more than you are obliged to sell, that will all become your income, so that’s easy and great.”
The scandal implicates the largest faction within the LDP, previously led by the late ex-premier Shinzo Abe. Kishida’s faction, headed by himself until recently, is also suspected of failing to declare more than 20 million yen in the three years leading up to 2020.
Kishida’s plummeting poll ratings stem from public dissatisfaction with inflation and his handling of previous scandals. The 66-year-old prime minister, in office until 2025, faces challenges in restoring public confidence. Speculation has arisen about a potential snap election ahead of a challenging internal leadership vote within the LDP next year.
Analysts believe that parting ways with members of the LDP’s largest faction, comprising around 100 members, may complicate Kishida’s governance. Naofumi Fujimura, a professor of political science at Kobe University, noted, “The scandal has significantly undermined public support for the LDP and the Kishida government. However, it remains uncertain whether it will result in a change of government, especially given the currently low public support for opposition parties.”
