Japan Press Weekly

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2016 June 1 - 7 [POLITICS]

Tokyo Governor Masuzoe should fully account for his money scandals

The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly opened its regular session on June 1. This session’s focal point is to uncover the full details of a series of money scandals involving Governor Masuzoe Yoichi.

The governor said in his policy speech, “It is entirely my own fault.” In the 25-minute address, however, he spent just three minutes mentioning his money scandals.

Masuzoe stated that from now on, he will book neither first-class airline seats nor luxury hotel suites on his overseas business trips.

The governor also noted that he will “rigidly” apply the metropolitan code to his use of official vehicles. On the other hand, he gave no explanation for the fact that he had often used official cars for private purposes in defiance of the rule.

In regard to his alleged misappropriation of political funds, Masuzoe said that he will explain his use of political funds before the plenary session begins on June 7. At this statement, shouts and jeers were heard in the assembly hall.

Calling for a thorough investigation into the governor’s scandals, the Japanese Communist Party metropolitan assemblypersons’ group proposed to the speaker and other political parties to convene a general affairs committee meeting to question Masuzoe about the issue as well as to set up an investigation commission based on Article 100 of the Local Government Law.

As of May 30, the metropolitan government has received about 22,000 calls of complaint from Tokyoites regarding the matter.

Past related article:
> JCP Tokyo submits written question to governor on his alleged misuse of political funds [May 19 & 20, 2016]