Kishida's Party Defeats Amid Scandal, Reforms Vowed

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has acknowledged the major defeat suffered by his governing party in recent by-elections, attributing it largely to a political fundraising scandal. Instead of resigning or replacing party executives, Kishida has pledged to push anti-corruption measures and political reforms.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has admitted that a political fundraising scandal has significantly hindered his governing party and has pledged to tackle the challenges facing the administration. Kishida's admission comes after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a major defeat in by-elections held last weekend.

The scandal, which involves allegations that dozens of lawmakers in Kishida's party pocketed profits from ticket sales to political events, has undermined the party's image and led to plummeting approval ratings for the government.

Despite the setback, Kishida has denied that he will step down or replace the top posts within the LDP. Instead, he has pledged to pursue party and political reforms, including a revision to the political funds laws. Kishida believes that by tackling these issues, he can regain the trust of the people.

The fundraising scandal centers on unreported political funds raised through tickets sold for party events. Over 80 LDP lawmakers, including members of a major party faction previously led by assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, are implicated in the scheme. Ten individuals, including lawmakers and their aides, have been indicted in January.

The scandal has had a significant impact on Kishida's leadership. His approval ratings have dwindled to around 20%, and the LDP is facing calls for a fresh face ahead of the next general election. Kishida's state visit to the United States earlier this month was perceived as a success, but Sunday's losses could erode his clout within the party.

The LDP is unlikely to lose power because the opposition remains fractured. However, the recent by-election defeats mark a further setback for Kishida, who will seek reelection as his party's leader in the fall.

Political analysts had speculated that Kishida might call a snap election after the current parliamentary session ends in late June, seeking a public mandate and then winning another term in the party presidential vote in September. However, Kishida has denied that he has any such plans.

Kishida is under pressure to implement reforms to address the scandal and regain public trust. He has removed several Cabinet ministers and party executives, conducted internal hearings, and drafted reform measures. However, support for his government continues to dwindle.

Prime Minister Kishida is facing a challenging time as he attempts to navigate the fallout from the LDP's fundraising scandal. By vowing to push anti-corruption measures and political reforms, Kishida hopes to restore the public's trust and rebuild the party's image. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, and the scandal could continue to cast a shadow over his leadership.