Prime Minister Takaichi says to Mr. Yan, ``Explain fully'' withholding judgment on bus scandal - House of Representatives Budget Committee
Quick Look
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed that he had received a report from Mr.
- Kazuo Yan over the phone the night before about an alleged violation of the Public Offices Election Act in which the camp of Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kazuo Yan transported supporters on free buses during the House of Representatives election.
- While leaving the determination of illegality to the relevant authorities, he showed that personnel personnel would not hesitate if it was determined to be illegal, and called on Mr.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Suspicions have surfaced that the camp of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yan was in violation of the Public Offices Election Act by transporting supporters on free buses during the House of Representatives election. Yan had previously claimed that his staff had contacted the Election Commission in advance, but later explained that there was no record of it.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the morning of the 14th that he had received a report from Yan on the night of the 13th about an alleged violation of the Public Offices Election Act by the camp of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yan in transporting supporters on free buses during the House of Representatives election. The Prime Minister reserved judgment, saying, ``I cannot answer at this point whether it is illegal or not,'' and emphasized, ``I hope there will be further accountability.''
Prime Minister Takaichi mentions Yan's promotion and resignation: ``If there is any illegality, make an immediate decision'' - Opposition parties demand voluntary resignation
The prime minister pointed out, ``Relevant authorities should determine whether or not this constitutes a violation of the Public Elections Act, based on the specific facts of each case.'' He reiterated, ``If I come to the conclusion that something is illegal or in violation of the law, I will not hesitate to make a personnel decision.'' Reply to Shinichi Isa of Komeito, who belongs to the Chumichi faction.
Yan claimed at the Budget Committee meeting on the 13th that his staff had inquired with the local election commission in advance and received a reply that there were no legal issues. On the 14th, Mr. Yan explained that after checking with his secretary again, ``I was informed that he may have inquired about how the income and expenditure report was recorded.'' "There are no records remaining" regarding the response at the time.
What to Watch
AI outlook â possibilities, not facts
A fact-finding investigation into violations of the Public Offices Election Act will be conducted by relevant authorities.
Likely · Within weeks
Opposition parties may continue to demand the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yan
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Whether the free bus service actually violates the Public Offices Election Act
- Details of what Mr. Yan's staff asked the Election Commission
- How will the relevant authorities proceed with the investigation?
