## Blowback Against Kishida Over Expected Penalties in Political Fund Scandal
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing increasing pressure within his own party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), over the expected disciplinary measures against members involved in a political fund scandal. The Party Ethics Committee is set to decide on penalties for 39 lawmakers on April 4th.
The LDP is considering expelling Ryu Shionoya, head of the Abe faction's executive board, and Hiroshige Seko, former secretary-general of the LDP's Upper House caucus. This would be the harshest punishment issued within the party over the scandal.
LDP executives believe Shionoya and Seko should be held responsible for the Abe faction's practice of keeping fundraising party revenues off the books. Shionoya has criticized the proposed punishment, stating that the investigation should continue to uncover the truth.
The LDP has also decided to punish 36 lawmakers who failed to report 5 million yen or more in revenues from their faction's fundraising parties. Additionally, Shionoya, Hakubun Shimomura, and Yasutoshi Nishimura will be penalized for undermining public trust, despite their underreported amounts being less than 5 million yen.
However, discontent is growing within the LDP as Kishida himself will not face any disciplinary action, despite his faction's accountant being indicted for failing to report fundraising party revenues. Some members believe it is unfair that Kishida is exempt from punishment, while others are questioning the basis for the penalties being solely determined by the amount of money involved.
The LDP has also decided not to take any action against Toshihiro Nikai, whose aide was charged for failing to report 35.26 million yen in fundraising party revenues. Nikai has announced he will not seek re-election in the next Lower House election, and the LDP has decided not to pursue further action against him.
The political fund scandal has caused significant damage to the LDP's reputation and is likely to continue to be a source of tension within the party. The upcoming disciplinary measures and the lack of action against Kishida are likely to further fuel these tensions.