House of Councilors Settlement Committee debates over LDP political funding issue, emergency preparedness, etc.

A meeting of the House of Councilors' Settlement Committee was held in the Diet, and discussions were held regarding issues surrounding political funding parties of factions of the Liberal Democratic Party and emergency preparedness.

Liberal Democratic Party Masato Shimizu regarding emergency preparedness response

Regarding emergency preparedness, Masato Shimizu of the Liberal Democratic Party said, ``Prime Minister Kishida must take overall action to identify the situation early and take measures such as evacuation to shelters. I want them to show their determination to firmly protect the lives of the people."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``In order to strengthen the national protection system, it is important that the national and local governments, as well as public and private organizations, work together on a regular basis and carry out the necessary studies and training.'' We will ensure that efforts such as securing shelters in case of an attack are fully coordinated and functioning properly."

Ritsumeikan Makiko Kishi on the LDP political funding issue

Makiko Kishi of the Constitutional Democratic Party commented on the issue surrounding the LDP's faction's political funding party, saying, ``The people are not at all satisfied with the issue of slush funds.'' Before taking action within the LDP, we need to identify the cause, clarify the truth, and provide an explanation. It is important to fulfill our responsibilities."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We are conducting additional interviews to determine the responsibilities that politicians must fulfill in their respective positions.We must continue to ascertain the facts, but politicians It is also important for the party to determine its responsibility as a party."

Komei Policy Research Council Chairman Yamamoto Deputy Chairman Measures to Prevent Recurrence of Political Funding Issues

Commenting on measures to prevent a recurrence of this incident, Komeito's Deputy Political Affairs Research Chairman Yamamoto said, ``After clarifying the actual situation and taking firm action as a party, we will take measures such as amending the Political Funds Control Act to prevent a recurrence. I want him to show his determination to achieve political reform in the current Diet session."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``In order to establish a strict accountability system and ensure the transparency of political funding, the party is working out the system while referring to the practices of other countries.We will definitely do this in the current Diet session.'' With this strong determination, the Liberal Democratic Party will take responsibility for amending the Political Funds Control Act."

Meiji Restoration Naeko Ishii regarding punishment of related members

Naeko Ishii of the Nippon Ishin no Kai commented on the punishment of the relevant members, saying, ``We are asking them to report the facts that are the basis for the punishment.A report on when and under whose direction the ``slush money'' kickbacks began.'' Do you have any thoughts on doing that?'' I asked.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``The party must determine its responsibility as a politician after understanding the actual situation to the maximum extent possible.From now on, when we explain political responsibility to the people, we will use what we have learned newly. I would like to make clear what should be made public, such as this."

He was also asked to clarify whether he had interviewed former Prime Minister Mori, saying, ``We are conducting interviews that are necessary for determining political responsibility. I will refrain from revealing anything from the perspective of ensuring security.''

Mr. Michiya Haga of the National Democratic Party regarding the accountability of related members

Regarding the accountability of related members, Michiya Haga, who belongs to the Democratic Party of Japan faction, said, ``Only three people attended the Political Ethics Review Committee of the House of Councilors.Since Prime Minister Kishida himself appeared in the House of Representatives, all the remaining members... Why don't you just say, ``I'm here, so everyone should come out.'' That would be really strange,'' he said.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``The party has encouraged and encouraged those involved to exercise accountability at every opportunity.Attendance at the Political Ethics Review Committee and the content of explanations are based on the rule of respecting the wishes of the person giving the explanation.'' That is what should be judged."

Communist Party Yoshiko Kira Measures to prevent sexual damage to children

Yoshiko Kira of the Japanese Communist Party commented on measures to prevent child sexual assault, saying, ``Some people finally come forward decades after they have been victimized, but there are cases where the statute of limitations prevents them from filing a lawsuit until they become an adult.'' At the very least, there should be no statute of limitations for sexual crimes against children.''

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``Last year's amendments to the Penal Code extended the statute of limitations for prosecution for sexual crimes if the victim is under 18 years old, and it is important to properly implement this provision.''The revised law "The Ministry of Justice will work with relevant ministries and agencies to take appropriate measures," he said.

Prime Minister Kishida's official visit to the United States

Furthermore, regarding his official visit to the United States scheduled for this month, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``We will once again reaffirm the strong unity between Japan and the United States, and we will engage in wide-ranging and in-depth exchanges toward the security and prosperity of our country and the stability and prosperity of the international community.'' "I would like to do so. It will be very meaningful in further deepening the close cooperation between Japan and the United States and demonstrating to the world the strong Japan-U.S. alliance."

Prime Minister Kishida regarding the development of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen

Meanwhile, regarding the construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, for which JR Central has announced plans to abandon its opening in 2027, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``The government will utilize FILP to provide a loan of 3 trillion yen.'' We would like to work together with relevant local governments and JR Tokai to create an environment for early development and open the facility as soon as possible."