Fallout from Fundraising Scandal Impels Cabinet Reshuffle
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to reveal a cabinet shake-up this week in response to a fundraising scandal that has significantly diminished public support for his embattled administration. Kishida has indicated that Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, a prominent figure within the government, is among those who will be dismissed, according to Natsuo Yamaguchi, head of his ruling coalition partner. Local media reports suggest that four cabinet ministers and several deputy ministers are also likely to be replaced. This follows investigations into allegations that some lawmakers received thousands of dollars in fundraising proceeds that were missing from official party accounts.
No-Confidence Motion Possible from Main Opposition Party
With the possibility of further political turbulence, the opposition party is contemplating a vote of no-confidence in Kishida’s administration, set to take place on Wednesday. However, given the majority held by Kishida’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and partner Komeito in parliament, the motion is expected to fail. Kishida is scheduled to address the allegations during a press conference on Wednesday evening, where he is likely to announce the cabinet dismissals. Additionally, Koichi Hagiuda, a senior LDP figure responsible for the government’s budget plans, is reportedly about to step down. There are also considerations about canceling Kishida’s planned trip to Brazil and Chile next month, according to the Mainichi newspaper.
Prosecutors Investigate Involvement of Kishida’s Faction
While the prosecutors’ investigation primarily focuses on lawmakers affiliated with the ruling party’s influential “Abe faction,” there are indications that Kishida’s own faction, which he recently led, could also be implicated. If this is the case, it could further erode public support for Kishida’s administration, which has fallen to a record low of approximately 23% in recent days, according to polls. Furthermore, the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) support has dipped below 30% for the first time since 2012. Historically, the fractured and feeble opposition has struggled to make significant gains against the LDP’s longstanding dominance in Japanese politics. Kishida, however, is not required to call an election until October 2025 at the latest, leaving uncertainty regarding how long he can retain his position as leader of the LDP.