Japan's LDP Under Fire Over Endorsing Scandal-Tied Candidates

(MENAFN) Japan's dominant Liberal Democratic Party is under fire following its decision to grant official backing to over 40 politicians connected to a financial misconduct controversy ahead of House of Representatives voting, according to domestic press reports.

The Mainichi Shimbun disclosed that Tuesday's finalized roster features more than 40 LDP lawmakers entangled in the organization's "slush fund" scandal—individuals who were stripped of party support during the 2024 nationwide election after facing internal sanctions.

This electoral cycle, the LDP has softened its stance, permitting the majority of these contentious figures to compete in both single-seat districts and proportional representation sections simultaneously—a tactical shift that observers say significantly boosts their electoral prospects, according to the publication.

The Tokyo Shimbun took aim at Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who doubles as LDP president, for neglecting to demand a comprehensive probe into the controversy or champion sweeping political overhauls, contending that this strategy hampers efforts to stop future violations. The outlet emphasized that citizen confidence in governance serves as the bedrock for effective policy implementation.

Chihiro Okawa, a professor at Kanagawa University, pointed out that the ballot comes shortly after the last contest, meaning the scandal remains vivid in voters' consciousness.

Granting endorsement to contenders previously spurned by the electorate risks inflicting additional harm on the LDP's reputation and creating difficulties for the Takaichi government, he cautioned.

The financial impropriety first surfaced in 2023, involving allegations that certain LDP faction wings directed member legislators to distribute political fundraising event tickets exceeding their designated targets while omitting excess proceeds from their official financial disclosures, subsequently returning surplus amounts to lawmakers as undisclosed payments that formed unreported cash reserves.

Following her assumption of leadership in October 2025, Takaichi selected multiple figures implicated in the controversy for senior administration roles. Takaichi herself faced accusations in December last year of receiving a political contribution surpassing the statutory limit, intensifying popular outrage.

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