Ishiba: Election an opportunity to regain public trust

Oct 10 (NHK) - Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru spoke to reporters after the dissolution of the Lower House was announced. He said he would use the election as an opportunity to gain the public's confidence and promote efforts at regional revitalization.

Ishiba fielded questions about his decision to dissolve the Diet at a news conference. He said he wants to introduce policies that transform Japanese society.

Ishiba said: "I call this dissolution 'a dissolution for Japan's revitalization.' New regional revitalization is an attempt to drastically change Japanese society. The people's confidence is necessary to boldly implement this transformation. I understand that we have to fight through this election in very hard circumstances. The LDP and our junior coalition partner Komeito will strive to secure a majority.

He also explained his decision to deny endorsements for 12 members of his Liberal Democratic Party, who were involved in the recent political fundraising scandal.

Ishiba said: "Lawmakers belonging to the party should face voters with sincerity, provide a full explanation, and seek their understanding. Otherwise, we cannot gain public trust again."

He added the LDP will not allow members who failed to report political funds to file double candidacies in the single-seat constituency and the proportional representation category.

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