Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has taken a proactive approach by engaging in discussions with key figures from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Abe faction to address a political fund scandal. The focus of these conversations is centered around disciplinary measures linked to a contentious practice involving the redistribution of proceeds from fundraising events back to member lawmakers. During these meetings, which began on March 26, Kishida met with prominent individuals such as Ryu Shionoya, Hakubun Shimomura, Hiroshige Seko, and Yasutoshi Nishimura.
The controversial practice in question was initially discussed in August 2022 among these lawmakers, wherein former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe advised them to discontinue the practice of redirecting excess funds from party ticket sales back to individual lawmakers. Despite Abe's recommendations, the faction decided to maintain this practice after his passing in August, and all four lawmakers involved have disavowed any knowledge of the decision-making process during recent inquiries at the Diet’s Deliberative Council on Political Ethics. As a result, severe disciplinary actions, including suspension of party membership and non-endorsement in elections, are expected to be imposed on the four lawmakers possibly by early April.
Tensions are mounting within the LDP as discussions continue regarding the political fund scandal, with former accounting officials and lawmakers facing charges related to unreported political funds. The unfolding events have already prompted Toshihiro Nikai to opt out of seeking re-election, signaling a preemptive move ahead of anticipated punitive measures from the party. Despite this, one of the four lawmakers involved remains resolute in their stance against disciplinary actions based solely on public opinion, emphasizing the importance of evidence in determining accountability.