By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday acknowledged “growing” public mistrust in his government over raging political funds scandal.
Kishida told reporters he will “appropriately respond” to the issues that have posed one of serious challenges to his government amid reports he may change Cabinet ministers.
“There is growing public mistrust about how policy groups” within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party handle political funds, Kishida said, according to local broadcaster NHK News.
Kishida said he was taking the issue “seriously” and feels a “sense of urgency.”
Reports had claimed Kishida was considering replacing ministers from the faction previously headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japanese prosecutors are probing a criminal complaint which accuses five factions of the ruling party of underreporting revenue generated over five years through the end of 2022 through political fundraising parties.