Takaichi Denies Replacing Scandal-Hit Deputy Govt Spokesperson

Tokyo, Nov. 5 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday that she will not replace Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato, a House of Councillors lawmaker involved in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s “slush funds” scandal. In a question-and-answer session on her policy speech, delivered Oct. 24, during a plenary meeting of the upper chamber of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, Takaichi offered “a sincere apology” for the confusion caused by the selection of Sato for the government post. Shunichi Mizuoka, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan’s lawmakers in the Upper House, noted that Sato has yet to face an election since he was found to be among the LDP members involved in the political funds scandal. “The prime minister’s responsibility for appointing him is in question,” Mizuoka said, asking if she believes Sato is qualified for the key cabinet post. Takaichi responded that Sato “deeply regretted his actions and has given explanations to the public on various occasions.” She added that she hopes Sato will be given an opportunity for “a fresh start.” Sato has been unable to attend the Upper House’s proceedings as a deputy chief cabinet secretary, in the face of rejection from the opposition side. Mizuoka also urged the government to establish a third-party committee to investigate the Finance Ministry’s high-profile document-tampering scandal linked to the dubious sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen. The prime minister replied that she does not think a fresh third-party probe is necessary as “no new facts have been found” since prosecutors decided not to pursue charges against people involved. Takaichi reiterated her willingness to add an emergency clause to the Constitution as a step to amend the supreme law, saying, “Establishing a Constitution that meets the needs of the times is an urgent task.” To a question from Masaji Matsuyama, the LDP’s leader in the Upper House, on a proposed summit between Takaichi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to resolve the issue of Pyongyang’s abductions of Japanese nationals, the prime minister said that she wants to “lead the way and take bold action to achieve results.” She also suggested that she will consider all options, aiming to make a breakthrough during her tenure. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]