## Political Fund Scandal Rocks Japan's Ruling Party
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing internal backlash over the expected disciplinary measures against party members involved in a political fund scandal. The Party Ethics Committee is set to decide on penalties for 39 lawmakers on April 4th.
The harshest punishment is expected for Ryu Shionoya, head of the Abe faction's executive board, and Hiroshige Seko, former secretary-general of the LDP's Upper House caucus. They are likely to be asked to leave the party, sources said.
This decision has sparked discontent within the LDP, with some members questioning why Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not face any disciplinary action. Kishida was the head of the faction involved in the scandal until early December.
A former Cabinet minister stated, "It would make no sense at all for the prime minister to be let off the hook." Another LDP member complained, "It is unacceptable to draw a line based solely on the amount of money involved and decide on penalties."
The LDP has also decided not to take any action against Toshihiro Nikai, a former party secretary-general, even though his aide was charged with failing to report 35.26 million yen in fund-raising party revenues. Nikai has announced he will not seek re-election in the next Lower House election.
The scandal has cast a shadow over the LDP and raised questions about the party's commitment to transparency and accountability. It remains to be seen how the party will address these concerns and rebuild public trust.