Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Addresses Parliament Dissolution Plans amid Slush Funds Scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faced tough questions during a press conference in San Paulo, Brazil, as he addressed the recent by-election results and his plans for the future. With the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) losing seats in the House of Representatives amid a slush funds scandal, Kishida reiterated that he has no intention to dissolve parliament at this time.

The by-elections, held on April 28, raised concerns about the LDP’s transparency and ethics, as it was revealed that factions within the party had been accumulating slush funds for years without proper reporting. This scandal has significantly impacted Kishida’s popularity, with his Cabinet’s approval ratings dropping to dangerous levels.

Despite the challenges facing his government, Kishida remains focused on implementing political reforms and addressing urgent issues. He expressed his commitment to revising the political funds control law and improving the system for lawmakers’ monthly payments, which have been criticized for lacking accountability.

During his international tour, Kishida emphasized Japan’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries in the Global South, including Brazil, India, and Indonesia. In his meetings with foreign leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Kishida discussed defense cooperation and global challenges.

As speculation mounts about a potential snap election and Kishida’s leadership within the LDP, the Prime Minister’s next moves will be closely watched. With opposition parties calling for dissolution of the lower house and internal pressure within the LDP, Kishida’s ability to navigate these challenges will be critical for the future of his government.