Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida grapples with a potential cabinet shakeup as reports emerge of impending dismissals, notably including his close aide Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno and Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura. The move, expected to occur as early as this week, involves around 15 officials linked to a faction previously led by late premier Shinzo Abe, currently under investigation for allegedly concealing substantial funds from fundraising events.
Prosecutors are scrutinizing the faction’s purported failure to disclose tens of thousands of dollars raised, with former Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto reportedly among those implicated. Kishida, while not confirming the reshuffle’s timing, expressed seriousness about addressing the fraud allegations to regain public trust and ensure seamless government operations.
Despite prior cabinet changes and a substantial $117 billion stimulus package announced for Japan’s economy, Kishida’s popularity remains at its lowest since assuming office, currently standing at a mere 22.5 percent approval. This decline, partly attributed to concerns over inflation, poses challenges as speculations arise regarding a potential snap election and an anticipated challenging internal leadership vote within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) next year.
While opposition parties plan non-confidence motions against Kishida’s cabinet and specific ministers, the likelihood of their success remains uncertain, underscoring the mounting political turmoil within Japan’s government.
