Japan's newly-elected premier vows to overcome political funding scandal, restore public trust

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to overcome the political funding scandal and restore public confidence in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

“I will restore confidence in politics lost over the issue of political funds and will explain to the people more clearly than ever the situation in which Japan finds itself," Ishiba told parliament on Friday in his maiden policy speech since being elected earlier this week.

He won the LDP leadership race last week and was sworn in as Japan’s 102nd prime minister on Tuesday.

Politics is responsible for "rebuilding a safe, secure, and prosperous Japan" by gaining people's "understanding and empathy," said Ishiba, 67, in his speech and the transcript of his address later posted on the official website.

In recent months, Japanese prosecutors have raided, questioned, and arrested ruling party members as part of an investigation into a criminal complaint accusing five factions of underreporting revenue from political fundraising events over five years ending in 2022.

Regarding sexual abuse cases involving US soldiers stationed in Japan, Ishiba called for "gaining understanding" of the locals.

“For the smooth stationing of US forces in Japan, it is essential to gain the understanding and cooperation of the people, including the local people,” Ishiba said.

Japan has seen an increase in sexual assault cases against American forces in Okinawa province, which houses the bulk of the over 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan under a bilateral defense pact.

Regarding relations with China, the premier said Japan will "comprehensively promote a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests."

He vowed to maintain communication "at all levels" with China but alleged that Beijing is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force" in the East and South China Seas.

“This is something that cannot be overlooked. Japan will make assertions that need to be made and strongly demand responsible action,” he added.

About the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ishiba said, "We will protect Japan from the rapidly changing security environment."

“The fires of war are not over. Today's Ukraine may be tomorrow's East Asia,” he warned.

Regarding alleged North Korean abductions, Ishiba said he will "return to the origins of the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration."

“With my own strong determination, will make every effort to realize the early return of all abduction victims and resolve the various issues with North Korea,” he told the parliament.