Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (pic) stressed he was determined to make a clear break from money politics as he renewed an apology for the latest major corruption scandal in the governing party, which has eclipsed his key policies such as strengthening the military and Japan’s alliance with the United States.
His policy speech had been due Friday when the new parliamentary session opened, but Kishida instead had to start the session with an apology on Monday.
Kishida said he must admit that factions in the Liberal Democratic Party seemed to work for money and favours rather than policy, and he promised to lead reforms.
Kishida gave no further explanation about the scandal or how the money was spent.
Opposition lawmakers have pressed for him to disclose details.
Kishida said he needed to regain public trust, citing challenges including a deadly earthquake on New Year’s Day and the economy.
Kishida pledged to “further expand and deepen” the Japan-US relations, which he called the lynchpin of Japan’s diplomatic policy, including by meeting President Joe Biden on a state visit to Washington in April.
He said Japan needs to further strengthen Japan-US alliance to reinforce Japanese security and to play a greater role in regional peace and stability.
Under the national security strategy adopted in December 2022, Kishida announced plans to double defence spending in five years for drastic military buildup that include strike capability amid growing threat from China and North Korea.
He did not clarify in his speech yesterday how his government plans to secure the funding.
Public support ratings for Kishida’s administration have dropped to around 20%, and while his leadership tenure may be shortened, the LDP is most likely to stay in power because the largely fractured opposition parties are not seen as a viable alternative.
The LDP has governed postwar Japan almost without interruption and has repeatedly had corruption scandals followed by promises for cleaner politics. — AP
