In the Diet, the House of Representatives Budget Committee held intensive deliberations in response to the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party. In response to the opposition party's request for relevant members to attend the Political Ethics Committee, Prime Minister Kishida explained that he is encouraging them to fulfill their accountability through various opportunities.
Liberal Democratic Party's Kenichiro Ueno regarding introduction of "joint seat system"
Kenichiro Ueno of the Liberal Democratic Party said, ``Politicians are under strong pressure that they may lose their jobs'' regarding the introduction of the ``co-allocation system,'' in which not only the accounting officer but also the member himself or herself will be held responsible in the event of malicious accounting practices. If we don't take action, there is a risk that the problem will never be resolved.Factions and political groups related to members of the Diet should advocate a major policy in which the members of the Diet themselves take responsibility."
In response, Prime Minister Kishida stated, ``If we were to adopt a system similar to the 'linkage system' under the Public Offices Election Act, the Political Funds Control Act would explain the reasons for imposing sanctions such as losing one's job even if one is not directly involved in a violation of the law. "We need to have a discussion on how to define it and how to prevent abuse of the system through decoys, etc."
Komei Toru Kunishige regarding the revision of the Political Funds Control Act
Toru Kunishige of the New Komeito Party commented on the revision of the Political Funds Control Law, saying, ``Even if we were to revise the law in the current Diet session, it would require wide-ranging debate and we don't have time.'' I would like him to strongly instruct the party to set up a forum for consultations between the ruling and opposition parties."
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``The party has set up a working team on how to develop laws and is proceeding with discussions.It is up to the Diet to decide how to proceed with discussions between the ruling and opposition parties, but the current Diet I would like to compile the party's thinking as soon as possible with the aim of reforming it."
Mr. Tomofumi Honjo, Ritsumeikan, regarding his attendance at the Political Ethics Committee
Tomofumi Honjo of the Constitutional Democratic Party requested that executives from the Abe and Nikai factions attend the Political Ethics Review Committee, and said, ``Prime Minister Kishida's previous response of ``encouraging'' them to fulfill their accountability'' When I heard this, I was at a loss.Do you understand the seriousness of the situation?They should properly instruct those involved, saying, ``They should attend,'' rather than ``urging them.''
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``It has been pointed out that his words are weak, but when I say ``promote,'' I mean that both the party and I are clearly telling the person to give a thorough explanation. We must fulfill our responsibilities."
In response to a question about whether members who refuse to attend political ethics review committees would be subject to disciplinary action, Prime Minister Kishida replied, ``The extent to which they have fulfilled their overall accountability through various methods is a very important point.'' "We will consider measures regarding political responsibility, taking into consideration the nature of such accountability."
Meiji Restoration Mr. Ryohei Iwatani Regarding the dissolution of the House of Representatives
Ryohei Iwatani of the Nippon Ishin no Kai said, ``Politics has stagnated due to the Liberal Democratic Party's politics and money issues, the administration has stagnated, and policies are not moving forward.In order to resolve the situation and move policy forward, we will dissolve the House of Representatives.'' Shouldn't we ask the people about their faith?" he asked.
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``There are a variety of issues that cannot be postponed, both domestically and internationally, such as responding to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, escaping deflation, and the severe international situation.As political trust is restored, the issues at hand are urgent. "I'm focused on that. I'm not thinking about anything beyond that."
Communist Party Mr. Shiokawa over the omission of income and expenditure reports of pro-Abe politicians
Tetsuya Shiokawa of the Japanese Communist Party questioned the non-recording of income and expenditure reports by pro-Abe members, saying, ``Who created the 'slush fund' system and how and when did it continue?'' "But who was instructing his office to do this illegal act? Are senior members of the Abe faction involved?"
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``During the interview process, some members of the Diet reported that the Abe faction = Seiwa Policy Research Group had given instructions through administrative staff to point things out. I would like to answer the content based on the results of the hearing."
National Relations Committee Chairman Furukawa Regarding Prime Minister Kishida's responsibilities
Furukawa, chairman of the National Democratic Party's parliamentary committee, said, ``When there is a scandal of this magnitude in a private company, it is normal for top executives to take responsibility.Even Prime Minister Kishida, who is the president of the Liberal Democratic Party, is not prepared to take responsibility at some point.'' Is there one?” I asked.
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We will strengthen governance over factions and implement measures to prevent recurrence that were included in the party's interim report.By understanding the actual situation and carrying out accountability and political responsibility in a concrete manner, we will strengthen the governance of factions. I want to fulfill my responsibilities as a top executive."
Interview with former Prime Minister Mori
Prime Minister Kishida was also asked to interview former Prime Minister Mori, who once served as the chairman of the current Abe faction, the Seiwa Policy Study Group, and responded, ``I have no questions regarding former Prime Minister Mori's involvement.'' We are considering confirming the circumstances and how the money was used during interviews with the relevant members of the party, and based on that information, we will consider appropriate responses as a party, such as further investigation if necessary.'' Ta.
Regarding “taxpayer satisfaction”
When asked whether taxpayers would be satisfied with the income tax and other tax returns that will begin on February 16, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``I hope that political action will be taken so that everyone can understand that we should all support each other in paying the costs of maintaining society.'' We must strictly regulate the state of affairs ourselves and ask for the cooperation of the people."
About the former Unification Church weekly magazine coverage
On the other hand, Prime Minister Kishida responded to a 2016 report in Daily Shincho about a photo of him holding a pamphlet from an organization affiliated with the former Unification Church, saying, ``Every year, thousands or even hundreds of people exchange business cards and greet each other.'' "I have received countless requests to have my picture taken with their magazine. There are no claims that I had any connection with the former Unification Church or related organizations." Ta.
House of Representatives Political Ethics Committee Secretariat meeting on the 16th
The House of Representatives Committee on Political Ethics will hold a secretariat meeting on the 16th in response to opposition parties such as the Constitutional Democratic Party requesting that executives from the Abe and Nikai factions of the Liberal Democratic Party attend the committee. .
Opinions are expected to be exchanged over matters such as whether or not to hold a screening committee, and if so, who should be asked to attend.