Prime Minister Kishida in intensive deliberation of the House of Councilors Budget Committee: “Improving the transparency of political funds is an issue”

In the Diet, the House of Councilors Budget Committee held intensive deliberations in response to the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that improving the transparency of political funds is the biggest challenge and will proceed with discussions toward legal revision.

Regarding the response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Masao Miyazaki of the Liberal Democratic Party asked, ``I would like the government to make a concerted effort so that agriculture, forestry and fisheries workers do not lose their motivation and can resume their livelihoods as soon as possible.''

In response, Prime Minister Kishida stated, ``We will accelerate detailed support tailored to the damage situation and move forward with initiatives to support the livelihoods of fishermen.''

Regarding the accounting treatment of political organizations led by Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Mogi, Fukushima, leader of the Social Democratic Party, which is a faction of the Constitutional Democratic Party, said, ``Funds are being transferred from the ``fund management organization'' that receives political funds to another political organization. "Reforms that increase transparency cannot be achieved. This is an act of evasion of the law based on thorough knowledge of the system."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``The content of the activities differs depending on the nature of the political organization, and the necessary funds are transferred within the scope of the current law in order to achieve each purpose. It’s important.”

Komeito Party's Deputy Political Affairs Research Chairman Ueda commented on the revision of the Political Funds Control Act, saying, ``The biggest sense of distrust stems from the lack of transparency in how political funds are used.As the largest political party, the Liberal Democratic Party has a responsibility to lead the discussion.'' ” he pointed out.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We are discussing the need to revise the law in three areas: tightening the responsibilities of politicians, introducing external audits, and improving transparency through digital technology.Transparency of political funds. We will hold discussions based on the idea that the greatest challenge is to improve

Inose, secretary-general of the House of Councilors of the Japan Restoration Association, commented on the ``National Earthquake Hazard Prediction Map'' published by the government's Earthquake Research Committee, which shows the probability of being hit by a violent earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6 lower or higher within the next 30 years. In reality, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 occurred, causing great damage.What should we think about the government's responsibility?''

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We are explaining precautions to prefectures.It is important to disseminate information more carefully about the need to prepare for earthquakes, regardless of the probability.'' said.

Isozaki, chairman of the House of Councilors Diet Measures Committee of the Democratic Party of Japan, asked, regarding subsidies to keep gasoline prices down, ``Measures to alleviate drastic changes in gasoline prices are said to end at the end of next month, but what is the exit strategy after May?'' I asked a question.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``Nothing has been decided at this point regarding what to do after May.In any case, we will continue to do so while keeping an eye on the exit of the project, taking into account the international situation as well as the economic and energy situation.'' We have to be flexible," he said.

Regarding the response to liquefaction damage caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Communist Party House of Councilors Secretary-General Inoue said, ``In this earthquake, severe damage occurred due to ``lateral flow,'' where the ground shifts sideways. "I believe that support is needed, but how can we concretely implement countermeasures?"

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We are instructing to strengthen support measures to take integrated measures for the area, including areas adjacent to roads.We are continuing to investigate the damage situation in each prefecture, and will We will proceed with efforts to reach a final proposal at the planned recovery and reconstruction support headquarters."

Regarding the response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Reiwa Shinsengumi representative Yamamoto said, ``In order to not put out the flames of primary industry on the Noto Peninsula, could you please set up temporary housing that is close to Nariwai?'' ” he asked.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``I think that temporary housing in the form of a trailer house or a close-to-home type is an option.The government will continue to broaden its antennae and make efforts to understand needs.'' said.

In addition, when asked how the 380 million yen "policy activity expenses" paid to then Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Amari in October 2021, three years ago, was used, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I checked with Mr. Amari and said, We are trying to use the information appropriately in accordance with the law, and we are actually using it in this way.''The specific use must take into consideration personal privacy, corporate trade secrets, etc., and it is clear that I will refrain from doing so for now.''