Kishida to sack scandal-hit reconstruction minister, source says

Kyodo, December 26th, 2022

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to dismiss reconstruction minister Kenya Akiba, who has been embroiled in political funds scandals, a source close to the matter said Monday, in a move that would make him the fourth Cabinet member to lose their ministerial post within a few months. Akiba’s departure is likely to deal a heavy blow to Kishida, as approval ratings for his Cabinet have recently been nearing what is widely viewed as the “danger level” of 30 percent.

The prime minister is also set to sack Mio Sugita, a parliamentary vice minister for internal affairs and communications, for her past discriminatory remarks against sexual-minority couples, among other controversial acts, the source also said.

“We have to thoroughly prepare for the regular Diet session next year. That is all I can say”, Kishida told reporters earlier Monday when asked whether he would dismiss Akiba, but did not rule out the possibility of replacing him.

The #prime #minister aims to pass the fiscal 2023 budget at an early date after the Diet session is convened in late January, but opposition parties are set to resume their offensive against Akiba, which could disrupt deliberations. The remark contrasts with Kishida’s comment Friday evening, when he told reporters, “I am not thinking about” replacing some Cabinet members or considering a Cabinet reshuffle. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno declined to elaborate on the issue, telling a news conference Monday that only the prime minister can appoint or dismiss Cabinet members.

“It is necessary for minister Akiba to continue explaining the matters related to his political funds in a proper manner as a lawmaker”, the top government spokesman said. Akiba reportedly paid around ¥ 200,000 ($ 1,500) to his state-paid secretaries for helping with his re-election bid in the October 2021 Lower House election, an act that could constitute an illegal payment to campaign staff under the election law.

The minister has also admitted that two political groups linked to him paid ¥ 14 million to his wife and mother in the form of “rent payments“ between 2011 and 2020.

The approval ratings for Kishida’s Cabinet have continued to drop toward the “danger level” of 30 percent, following resignations by three ministers between October and November due to their ties to the controversial Unification Church, gaffes and political funds scandals.

Within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party led by Kishida, Kentaro Sonoura resigned last week as a House of Representatives member after being accused of underreporting revenues earned through fundraising parties. He has already been issued a summary indictment by prosecutors.

The prime minister hopes to improve his Cabinet’s approval ratings ahead of the local elections in April.