Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Under-fire Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on Wednesday said he had no intention of resigning, although scandals involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have helped to send his approval ratings plummeting.

In parliament on Wednesday, TAMAKI Yuichiro, the leader of the Democratic Party for the People, and other opposition leaders put pressure on Kishida to resign, pointing out that the even the LDP’s coalition partner Komeito is unsatisfied with the Prime Minister’s actions or lack of action over a political funds reform bill.

“Progress fails when the leader doesn’t take responsibility and carries out his duties in a superficial manner,” Tamaki said. “This bill has loopholes and even passing it doesn’t mean anything will change. The public’s trust is evaporating.”

“In order to restore trust in politics, surely the right thing to do is for the Prime Minister to resign and take responsibility as (the party’s) leader. Prime Minister, you seem to be alone with enemies around you, you can’t secure cooperation from opposition parties, and even Komeito have complained about a lack of progress. Elements within your own Liberal Democratic Party are starting to openly urge you to take responsibility.”

“I don’t feel that I’m surrounded by enemies,” the Prime Minister replied. “There are so many difficult tasks to take care of right now and we are discussing these issues. There will always be criticism, but even in the face of criticism, I plan to do what I have to do. I believe this is the responsibility of politicians.”

Tamaki pointed out that Kishida no longer has credibility either within parliament or among the public after a political funds scandal that involved many members of Kishida’s faction within the Liberal Democratic Party.

“I think you are no longer qualified to lead,” Tamaki said. “Many lawmakers have not taken any responsibility for such large-scale violations of the law. To create a Japan with leadership in the world, it must be an exemplary country. To restore the norms of Japanese politics, I urge the Prime Minister once again to resign from his post.”

Kishida refused to accept the criticism. “I have continued my efforts, believing that I have to be courageous and decisive,” he said. “With so many challenges that cannot be put off, I intend to take action on all issues of the economy, security and energy with strong determination.”