Yaichi Tanigawa Resigns as Diet Member in Wake of LDP Faction's Funding Scandal

TOKYO, Jan 24 (News On Japan) - The House of Representatives has approved the resignation of Yaichi Tanigawa, a member embroiled in a slush fund scandal involving a political party fundraiser of the Liberal Democratic Party's Abe faction.

Tanigawa, charged with violating the Political Funds Control Law, was summarily indicted by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Department and had already left the LDP.

He submitted his resignation request to House Speaker Tadamori Oshima on Monday, which was approved today, January 24.

The resignation of Tanigawa triggers a by-election for the House of Representatives' Nagasaki 3rd district. This election is expected to be held on April 28th, coinciding with another by-election in Shimane 1st district.

Tanigawa's departure from the Diet under these circumstances is a significant development in Japanese politics, reflecting the ongoing challenges of political funding transparency and ethical governance. The by-elections, set to replace him, will be closely watched as they may indicate shifts in the political landscape, especially in the context of the recent scandal.

by Brian Dentry

Source: ANN

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