Editorial

15:27 JST, March 18, 2025

If Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has taken a tough stance on the political funds issue, continues to defend his own misconduct, it will be a long way to dispel the distrust the public has in politics.

If Ishiba admits he has a moral responsibility, he needs to demonstrate it through concrete actions.

Regarding the issue of the distribution of gift vouchers worth ¥100,000 each to newly elected House of Representatives lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba apologized at a meeting of the Budget Committee at the House of Councillors, saying: “I was not in line with public sentiment. I apologize for that.”

While explaining the distribution of the gift vouchers did not constitute “donations related to political activities” that are prohibited by the Political Funds Control Law, Ishiba said, “I have a moral........

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