立憲・辻元氏「解散で決着つけたらいい」岸田首相「全く考えていない」　参院予算委で締めくくり質疑（2024年3月28日）

Summary

The transcript captures a parliamentary session where the Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida, addresses concerns regarding the investigation into political funding issues within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The dialogue highlights the opposition's skepticism about the thoroughness of the investigation and the need for additional hearings. Mr. Kishida emphasizes his commitment to clarifying the facts, fulfilling his responsibility as the party leader, and restoring public trust. The conversation also touches on the handling of assets related to disbanded factions and the potential consequences for party members, including the Prime Minister himself, under the party's disciplinary rules.

Takeaways

• 🔄 The budget committee session resumed, discussing the 2022 budget proposals.
• 📅 The discussion continued from before the break with a focus on the Prime Minister's answers.
• 📄 A February 2022 report from the Liberal Democratic Party did not mention the March 2022 consultations.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Prime Minister Kishida explained that additional inquiries were conducted due to lingering doubts.
• 🤔 Tsujimoto suggested the initial investigation was insufficient and that subsequent responses might have been misleading.
• 🔍 Kishida stated that the additional inquiries were necessary due to the remaining doubts, despite the previous efforts.
• 🏛️ Tsujimoto questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, indicating a lack of trust in the party's governance.
• 💰 There were questions about the dissolution of political factions and the handling of their finances.
• 📊 Kishida provided details on the financial status of political groups, including remaining bank balances.
• 📝 Tsujimoto emphasized the need for clear and transparent handling of political funds and accountability.

Q & A

What was the main topic of the discussion in the committee meeting?

The main topic of the discussion was the budget for the fiscal year, the investigation report submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and the political responsibility of the Prime Minister and other party members regarding the handling of political funds and the dissolution of factions.

What was the issue with the LDP's investigation report mentioned in February?

The issue was that the report did not contain any mention of a consultation that supposedly took place in March 2022. There were doubts about the thoroughness of the investigation, leading to additional hearings and investigations.

What actions did the Prime Minister take after the initial investigation report was questioned?

The Prime Minister conducted additional hearings and investigations to address the lingering doubts and to ensure that all aspects of the case were thoroughly examined.

What was the total amount of assets remaining in the political group as of December 31, 2024?

The total amount of assets remaining in the political group as of December 31, 2024, was 78,338,617 yen.

What is the Prime Minister's stance on the handling of the remaining assets of the dissolved political group?

The Prime Minister stated that various financial processes would be conducted, and the remaining assets would be decided upon by the political group as a whole, with discussions taking place within the party.

What was the reason given for the delay in submitting the dissolution application for the political group?

The delay was due to the need to carry out various procedures and handle the assets and other matters before the dissolution application could be submitted.

What is the role of the party in deciding the disposition of party members involved in the political funds issue?

The party, following its procedures, will make decisions regarding the disposition of party members. This includes determining who will be disciplined and how, based on the party's rules and regulations.

What are the specific articles of the party's regulations that pertain to disciplinary actions?

The specific articles that pertain to disciplinary actions are Article 9 and Article 10 of the party's regulations.

How does the Prime Minister plan to address the issue of trust within the party and to the public?

The Prime Minister plans to address the issue by clarifying the facts, explaining the responsibility, and taking political responsibility, including preventing the recurrence of such issues and restoring trust within the party and to the public.

Is the Prime Minister considering a dissolution of the Diet as a means to resolve the political funds issue?

The Prime Minister stated that he is not considering a dissolution of the Diet at this time and is focusing on addressing the issue and restoring trust within the party.

What was the reason given for the absence of the former executive secretary from the hearings?

The absence was due to the former executive secretary's own political responsibility regarding the issues surrounding political funds within the faction.