## Political Fund Scandal Rocks Japan's Ruling Party
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing mounting pressure within his own party over the expected disciplinary measures against members involved in a political fund scandal. The scandal has already led to the indictment of several individuals, including former accountants for the Abe and Nikai factions.
The Party Ethics Committee is expected to decide on penalties for 39 lawmakers on April 4th. Among them, Ryu Shionoya and Hiroshige Seko are expected to be asked to leave the LDP, the harshest punishment short of expulsion. This decision has sparked discontent within the party, particularly because Kishida himself will not face any disciplinary action despite his faction's involvement in the scandal.
The scandal revolves around the practice of keeping fund-raising party revenues off the books. The Abe and Nikai factions returned party ticket sales exceeding individual lawmakers' quotas without properly reporting the flow of funds. This resulted in 36 lawmakers failing to list 5 million yen or more in revenues on their political fund reports.
Adding to the controversy, Kishida's former accounting official received a summary indictment for failing to report fund-raising party revenues. However, Kishida himself will not face any disciplinary action, leading to accusations of a double standard within the party.
The discontent within the LDP is growing, with some members questioning the fairness of the disciplinary measures and vowing to file formal complaints. The scandal has also cast a shadow over Kishida's leadership, raising questions about his ability to handle the situation and maintain party unity.