A Stalemate
The ruling coalition in Japan has announced plans to establish a third-party panel to discuss political donations from corporations and groups. This move appears to be an attempt to delay Diet deliberations on the possibility of banning such funds.
The announcement comes in response to a recent scandal involving the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and unreported political funds. Opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), the Japanese Communist Party, and Reiwa Shinsengumi, have called for a ban on corporate and group donations in light of this scandal.
However, such donations are a major source of income for the LDP, and the party has been reluctant to abolish the system. The LDP aims to put the issue on hold until next year or later, instead of discussing the ban during the current extraordinary Diet session.
Both the LDP and Komeito, the junior coalition partner, have expressed support for the establishment of the expert panel. They argue that the issue of corporate and group donations is complex and requires careful consideration.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has also expressed a negative view on abolishing corporate and group donations. He believes that such donations are not inherently inappropriate.
The opposition parties are likely to continue to push for a ban on corporate and group donations. It remains to be seen whether the LDP will be willing to compromise on this issue.