During the first Diet session on the 4th following the upper house elections, Prime Minister Ishiba showed a willingness to discuss changes to corporate and group donations and address rising prices, accepting proposals from Yukio Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party. This move comes as the ruling coalition now holds a minority in the upper house. However, within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), there is confusion over the Prime Minister’s sudden policy shifts.
Noda suggested that parties discuss limiting the branches authorized to receive donations, referencing proposals by the Komeito and Democratic Party for the People, which focus on restricting donations to prefectural branches. Prime Minister Ishiba agreed, indicating a desire to discuss how to avoid unfairness among parties.
The debate surrounding corporate and group donations began due to a political funding scandal involving LDP factions. While the parties aimed to reach a conclusion by the end of March, disagreements between the LDP, which supports continuation, and opposition parties like the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, which call for a ban, prevented consensus in the last ordinary Diet session.
The proposed restrictions from Komeito and the Democratic Party for the People that limit donation-receiving branches to prefectural levels were opposed by the LDP. However, Ishiba acknowledged the vast number of LDP branches and expressed a willingness to reconsider. Noda praised this stance and emphasized that collaboration between major parties to rally other parties is the ideal approach.
Despite Ishiba’s openness to negotiations and planning with Noda, skepticism remains within the LDP. Movements against Ishiba continue, with doubts about the feasibility of implementing these policies.
A cabinet minister expressed distrust over Ishiba’s rapport with Noda, suggesting a hidden alliance. An LDP executive expressed surprise at the proposal to strengthen regulations on donations, as it was not previously communicated, while other party members voiced frustration at Ishiba’s autonomous decisions.
by MagazineKey4532