10-12-2023 (TOKYO) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is considering a cabinet reshuffle and changes to his party executive in the wake of allegations that lawmakers received undisclosed political funds, according to sources cited by the Asahi newspaper on Sunday (Dec 10).
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Kishida, has come under increasing scrutiny following reports that party lawmakers, including prominent members, may have received over US$693,000 in fundraising proceeds that were not properly documented.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, and LDP’s policy chief Koichi Hagiuda are among those suspected of failing to declare political funds appropriately and are expected to be replaced, as reported by the Asahi and the Mainichi newspapers.
Tokyo prosecutors are reportedly planning to launch an investigation into lawmakers after the current session of parliament concludes on Wednesday.
The alleged plan for a cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of new party officials may take effect after the conclusion of the parliamentary session, according to Kyodo news agency.
Matsuno is suspected of not declaring approximately US$70,000 received over the past five years from the largest faction in the LDP, according to media reports. Hagiuda, on the other hand, stated last week that his organization has adhered to the law in handling the matter.
Public support for Prime Minister Kishida’s government has reached a record low, partly attributed to voter concerns over rising costs and imminent tax hikes. No official comments were immediately available from the prime minister’s office or the offices of the implicated ministers.
