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PM Considering Disbanding Kishida Faction In LDP-FNN

JAPAN

FNN reporting that PM Fumio Kishida is considering the disbanding of the political faction that bears his name within the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). MNI noted earlier (see 0927GMT bullet) that the party was under notable pressure amid prosecutors preparing charges against the treasurers of three LDP factions for alleged violations of political funding regulations, including the Kishida faction.

  • Kishida said, when responding to reporters' questions on the future of the his former faction, `If it would contribute to restoring trust in politics, we are considering disbanding the Kochi-kai (Kishida faction)."
  • The dissolution of his faction would likely be seen as an attempt to 'get out in front' of the story that has dogged the governing party for some time.
  • Japan Times notes that Kishida and the LDP could seek to run out the clock on prosecutors efforts, reporting that "A week ahead of the opening of what is set to be a particularly heated session of parliament, an ongoing investigation into a slush funds scandal entangling the upper echelons of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is drawing to a close, with all party heavyweights largely unscathed."
  • Adds that "...time is running out for investigators.The Constitution sets out that lawmakers can’t be arrested during a session of parliament. The assembly convenes Jan. 26 and draws to a close five months later on June 23."

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