Japan PM Apologizes for Slush Fund Scandal

TOKYO, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - During a roundtable discussion in Kumamoto Prefecture with members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offered an apology for the slush fund scandal, prompting a series of critical remarks about the lack of ethics among party members.

Kishida stated, "I deeply apologize for causing significant political distrust among the citizens."

Participants of the roundtable voiced concerns, saying, "The way the LDP is being run is a major issue," and questioned whether there was "a lack of ethical awareness among the lawmakers."

Kishida emphasized the importance of amending the Political Funds Control Law during the current session of the Diet to "achieve stricter regulations and restore the public's trust."

Furthermore, responding to journalists after the discussion, Kishida acknowledged the dissatisfaction within the LDP regarding disciplinary actions, stating, "I will take opinions into account, but ultimately, working together as one based on the party's decision is what the LDP is about," appealing for understanding.

Source: ANN


MORE Politics NEWS

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Kishida, as chair at the OECD Ministerial Council, declared his commitment to removing employment barriers facing women and the elderly.

Media reports say US President Joe Biden has blamed Japan's economic troubles on xenophobia while arguing that the US economy is growing because it accepts immigrants. (NHK)

Mayor Ryosuke Takashima of Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, has completed one year in office as the youngest mayor in history. In an interview, Mayor Takashima stated, "Executing policies is the critical theme for my second year."

POPULAR NEWS

Amid global wheat shortages due to abnormal weather conditions and the depreciation of the yen, Japan is seeing price hikes and suspensions in the sale of products like orange juice, leading some to turn to domestic alternatives like mandarin juice. One such alternative gaining attention as a substitute for imported goods is rice flour.

Ahead of Children's Day, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released an estimate of the country's child population, revealing a decrease of 330,000 compared to the previous year. The population of children under 15 dropped for the 43rd consecutive year, reaching a record low since data collection began in 1950.

Sony Pictures Entertainment, under the Sony Group, in partnership with an American investment firm, has proposed a joint acquisition of the U.S. media giant Paramount Global for approximately 4 trillion yen ($26 billion), as reported by multiple American media sources.

Naoya Inoue, Japan's undisputed super bantamweight world champion said Saturday he has high hopes for the defense of his four belts against Mexico's Luis Nery when they fight on Monday. (Kyodo)

Atami, one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, is witnessing a full-fledged revival. Land prices in the area have increased by 13%, and there's a surge in new eateries opening their doors. Inquiries for resort condominiums built during the bubble era have risen by 1.5 times.

FOLLOW US