Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

PM defends his Diet dissolution plan in 1st debate with opposition

(Kyodo News) -- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday defended his plan to dissolve the lower house later this week for a snap election to seek a fresh mandate, as opposition parties ramp up their offensive against his ruling party over its handling of scandal-hit lawmakers.
In his first parliamentary debate with the opposition bloc, Ishiba, who became premier last week, said he will ensure the use of political funds, at the center of the scandal that has undermined confidence in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, will be more “transparent.”
“To restore public trust, I will realise politics for the people, not for the politicians,” Ishiba said.
“It goes without saying that the right to dissolve (the lower house) should not be abused. Since the new Cabinet was formed, I judge it necessary to dissolve it to confirm the will of the people,” he said.
Ishiba is set to dissolve the 465-member House of Representatives on Wednesday, just eight days after taking office. The prime minister has the authority to dissolve the chamber when deemed necessary.
In the face of public criticism, the LDP has decided not to endorse some lawmakers penalized for failing to report public funds properly as candidates in the Oct. 27 election, taking a harder stance than previously envisaged.
He made the remarks after Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, criticised Ishiba’s about-face on his decision to proceed with a parliamentary dissolution shortly after announcing it, even before officially becoming prime minister.

(Latest Update October 8, 2024)