House of Councilors plenary session Representative question: Debate over political funding issue and Noto Peninsula earthquake response

In the afternoon, a plenary session of the House of Councilors held a representative question about Prime Minister Kishida's policy speech, and there were debates over issues surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party and the response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

National Secretary-General Shinba: ``What is being questioned is the effectiveness of the reforms.''

Regarding the issue surrounding the LDP's faction's political funding party, Shinba, secretary-general of the Democratic Party for the People, said, ``They suddenly declared the dissolution of the Kishida faction, but that is not the essence of the problem, and we should not change the point of contention. "The key is the effectiveness of reform. How should we investigate the truth, how should we solve the problem, and who should take what political responsibility?"

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``The party will continue to ascertain the status of corrections to the Political Funds Income and Expenditure Report, interview relevant parties, and strive to understand the actual situation of omissions.'' "The party will take steps to ascertain as much of the facts as possible and consider how to respond."

Communist Party Chairman Tamura: ``It is essential to uncover the full details of the illegal activities affiliated with the Liberal Democratic Party.''

Communist Party Chairman Tamura said, ``This is an illegal act carried out by the Liberal Democratic Party, in which the major factions all falsified income and expenditure reports.It is essential to clarify the entire situation, including what the ``slush funds'' were used for and when they were systemized. It is my responsibility as party president to do so."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``Each policy group and the political groups of members of parliament are gradually correcting their income and expenditure reports, and under my instructions, I am ascertaining the situation and interviewing the people concerned. As a party, we will fulfill the necessary accountability while taking into consideration the progress made."

Ritmin Tajima: "Is it your understanding that the three positions in political affairs have nothing to do with issues related to political funding?"

Maiko Tajima of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan asked, ``Is it correct to understand that all three political officials who support the Kishida Cabinet have nothing to do with political funding-related issues?How will they be held responsible if any problems are pointed out in the future?'' It's approaching.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``Of course we want to avoid suspicions about the handling of political funds, and we do not make appointments based on the premise that there is a problem.''The Cabinet will continue to be even more nervous. I will do my best to tackle the challenges given to me."

Mr. Tajima also questioned, ``Wouldn't even illegally accumulated money be considered ``slush funds'' if it remains in a bank account or is kept in an office safe?''

Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We must take seriously the fact that a large amount of party income is not reported in the income and expenditure report, and that it is being pointed out as a slush fund.''

LDP Acting Secretary-General of the House of Councilors Okada: ``The establishment of the ``Reconstruction Fund''''

Acting Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party's House of Councilors Okada commented on the response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, saying, ``It has caused severe damage to the region comparable to the Great East Japan Earthquake or the Kumamoto Earthquake.'' Are you thinking of creating a ``recovery fund'' to help you survive?'' he asked.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We must not hesitate in responding to the earthquake due to budget constraints.''We have created a ``recovery fund'' so that we can respond to the detailed needs of disaster victims and work on recovery and reconstruction in line with our vision. We would like to make an appropriate decision, taking into account the necessity of

Reiwa Eiko Kimura “Inclusive disaster prevention: Participation of those involved”

Eiko Kimura of Reiwa Shinsengumi talked about ``inclusive disaster prevention,'' which aims to implement disaster prevention measures that take everyone, including people with and without disabilities, into account, saying, ``In order to realize disaster prevention and recovery that leaves no one behind. I would like to request that people with disabilities, including people with disabilities, be included in all councils and conference bodies."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``It is important to promote the participation of people with disabilities, women, the elderly, and others in the process of considering disaster prevention policies, and to incorporate diverse perspectives.It is important to continue to involve parties from various positions in the future.'' We will promote ``inclusive disaster prevention'' with full consideration of the above.''

Prime Minister Kishida regarding message of sympathy from North Korean General Secretary Kim

On the other hand, regarding the message of sympathy sent from North Korean General Secretary Kim Jong-un in the wake of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We have received condolences from many countries and regions, He also expressed his gratitude for the message from North Korea.Although he is not in a position to answer North Korea's political intentions, he hopes to comprehensively resolve outstanding issues based on the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, settle the unfortunate past, and normalize diplomatic relations. There is no change in our position of aiming to achieve this goal."