TOKYO, Dec 12 (NHK) - The Lower House of Japan's Diet has voted down a motion of no-confidence in Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu over a political fund scandal.
Japan's largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party submitted the no-confidence motion to the Lower House on Monday, saying Matsuno has ceased to function as the government spokesperson.
The chamber's plenary session deliberated the motion on Tuesday.
Inatomi Shuji of the CDP said Matsuno is unqualified as a lawmaker if he had been repeating illegal acts and tax evasion, together with other members of his faction.
He said replacing the chief cabinet secretary is the first step toward regaining trust in politics.
The main ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Inoue Shinji defended Matsuno, saying he has been seriously trying to implement the Cabinet's policies.
Inoue said he would like Matsuno to offer an explanation to the public to an extent that does not interfere with the investigation, so that he can fulfill his duties as a member of the Cabinet.
The motion was later put to a vote. The LDP, its coalition partner Komeito and others voted against the motion.
The opposition CDP, Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party, the Japanese Communist Party, the Democratic Party for the People, Reiwa Shinsengumi and others voted in favor.
Matsuno is among lawmakers embroiled in a money scandal linked to factions within the LDP, including one previously led by late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
Matsuno belongs to the Abe faction, which remains the LDP's largest. The group is suspected of paying kickbacks to members who exceeded their quotas of ticket sales for fundraising events.
Source: ANNnewsCH
