Falling Short of Impeachment

Distribution of gift certificate to the fresh lawmakers became a significant blow to the staggering administration of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. It is an unexpected opportunity for the opposition parties to defeat Ishiba government. Nevertheless, the opposition leaders look like hesitating to get together for attacking Ishiba. Strangely enough, it is mainly limited to some lawmakers in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) who accuse their prime minister.

Some opposition leaders referred to a possibility of Ishiba’s resignation. The head of Democratic Party for the People (DPP), Yuichiro Tamaki, told that it would be difficult for Ishiba to remain in the position, if he fails in explaining about the scandal. The co-chair of Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin-no Kai), Hirofumi Yoshimura, demanded Ishiba to consider by himself whether he should go or step down.

 

However, the leader of top opposition party, Yoshihiko Noda of Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, hoped Ishiba to explain about his activities, before the opposition parties would make a decision on non-confidence resolution against Ishiba Cabinet. Realizing ethical responsibility of a prime minister to distribute gifts which was too luxurious for ordinary people, Noda insisted that the gift was nothing but a donation to an individual politician.

 

The opposition parties have been discussing on some policies with the leading party and let the government include the policies in the annual budget for FY 2025. Ishiba is easier to control for them than previous administrations, such as one led by Shinzo Abe who was highly reluctant to hear from the opposition powers. It is also a truth that the opposition parties do not have unified framework for a government alternative to LDP-Komeito administration.

 

An explicit accusation came up from the LDP. “As he finished his work of passing FY 2025 budget bill, it is right decision for Ishiba to step down,” said an LDP member of the Upper House, Shoji Nishida. Nishida is one of the close allies of Abe and basically critical about political handling of Ishiba. Nishida is one of the lawmakers who had been involved in the slush fund scandal in Abe faction.

 

Nishida has accused Ishiba just before Ishiba’s scandal was revealed. “He is not eligible for the LDP president, because he lost in the general election of the Lower House last fall,” said Nishida who hopes to renew his term in the election this summer. He indicated that former Minister on Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, would be the best choice for next prime minister.

 

However, most leaders in the LDP support Ishiba’s presidency. “It is the most important for Ishiba to regain people’s firm support for politics,” said LDP Secretary General, Hiroshi Moriyama. The obvious enemy against Ishiba’s leadership is some conservative lawmakers in the LDP so far.

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