Momentum for political reform in Japan is faltering, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sidesteps the topic in her campaigning for Sunday¡¯s Lower House election, which will decide control of the powerful lower chamber of parliament.
In her stump speeches, Takaichi, who leads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), rarely mentions the party¡¯s high-profile slush funds scandal or proposed restrictions on political donations by corporations and groups. Opposition parties¡¯ criticism that the ruling bloc has failed to settle the issues is falling on deaf ears.
The LDP gave its endorsement to 44 candidates linked to the funds scandal, saying that they have already suffered by their involvement. In its policy pledges, the party vowed to further promote transparency and openness on donations by corporations and groups, on the basis that disclosure is better than banning donations.
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