Reports suggest that Kishida’s right-hand man, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura may be fired this week.
According to the influential Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun, a total of 15 officials will be fired, including several deputy ministers and deputy ministers of parliament.
All of them belong to the faction formerly led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, one of at least five major groups vying for influence and power in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Prosecutors are investigating allegations that the faction failed to report tens of thousands of dollars raised at fundraising events, according to recent media reports.
As reported, the former Minister of Olympic Affairs Seiko Hashimoto also appears in the investigation.
On Monday, Kishida declined to talk about a possible cabinet reshuffle, which could take place after the end of the current parliamentary session on Wednesday, but said he was taking the fraud allegations seriously.
“I am thinking of taking appropriate measures at the right time to restore public confidence in the government and avoid delays in government activities,” Kishida told reporters.
Mr. Kishida’s approval ratings are at their lowest since he took office two years ago, partly due to voters’ worries about inflation.
His cabinet has 22.5 percent support, according to the latest poll released Monday by Fuji TV and the daily Sankei Shimbun. society, compared to 27.8 percent. last month, while 71.9 percent disapprove, compared to 68.8 percent.
Such survey results are in spite of the 17 trillion announced in September and November of the previous restructuring. yen (€109 billion) stimulus package for the world’s third-largest economy.
Although the 66-year-old Kishida can serve as prime minister until 2025, it is believed that he may call a snap election ahead of next year’s internal LDP leadership vote.
On Tuesday, the opposition intended to submit a motion of no confidence in Kishida’s cabinet to parliament, but it is unlikely to pass.
Japan’s main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party also tabled a no-confidence motion against Matsuno on Monday.
The lower house of parliament is expected to consider the motion against Matsuno on Tuesday.
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2024-08-12 09:34:46
