Ruling party concedes ahead of deliberations on "corporate donations" as it looks at quota cuts - House of Representatives Committee

At a board meeting on the 10th, the House of Representatives Special Committee on Political Reform agreed to resume deliberations on the 13th regarding three bills by the ruling and opposition parties to review corporate and group donations, which are still under discussion. A bill to reduce the number of members of the House of Representatives jointly submitted by the ruling party and the Democratic Party of Japan within the week is also expected to be referred to the special committee. In order to create an environment for its passage, the ruling party made concessions to the opposition party, which called for early deliberations on the donation review bill.

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The main purpose of the quota reduction bill is to reduce the proportional representation in the House of Representatives by 31 points. At the board meeting, the ruling party called for prompt deliberation. Opposition parties countered by saying, ``Before reducing the number of votes, we should proceed with strengthening the rules for political funds, which were still under discussion.'' The ruling party accepted it.

Regarding deliberations at the special committee, the Democratic Party for the People, which is co-submitting the quota reduction bill, also insists that priority should be given to the contribution review bill. The Japan Restoration Society objected. In the end, the Liberal Democratic Party gave due consideration to national democracy, saying, ``It would be good if the bill to reduce the number of seats could be debated next week.'' (a senior official).

However, the ruling party proposed a vote on the donation review bill at the board meeting on the 13th, when deliberations resume. The opposition parties expressed reluctance, and it was decided that discussions would continue.

At the recent special Diet session, regarding corporate and group donations, (1) the Centrist Reform Alliance and the Democratic People's Democratic Party submitted a bill that would limit what they can accept, (2) the Participating Parties and Team Mirai would ban it completely, and (3) the Liberal Democratic Party and Ishin submitted a bill that would entrust consideration of what should be done to a panel of experts. The discussion followed parallel lines.

Meanwhile, at a party meeting on the 10th, the Komeito Party decided to submit a bill to the House of Councilors that would restrict donations from companies and organizations to bank transfers. Even if the bill to reduce the number of seats is sent to the House of Councilors, the government plans to request advance deliberation.