Four candidates in the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan’s leadership election have announced that their party will challenge all members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) involved in a slush funds scandal during the next general election. The four CDP lawmakers made this statement during a televised debate. They confirmed that their party will field candidates to contest against all LDP members implicated in the scandal.
The four candidates are former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, former CDP leader Yukio Edano, current party leader Kenta Izumi, and Lower House member Harumi Yoshida. These individuals filed their candidacies for the party’s September 23 leadership election on Saturday.
Noda expressed his dissatisfaction with the lenient punishments given by the LDP to its members involved in the scandal. He emphasized that without opposing candidates, it is impossible for voters to impose penalties on those responsible. Noda stressed the importance of collaborating with other opposition parties to present rival candidates.
Edano highlighted defeating lawmakers connected to the slush funds scandal as a significant challenge. He expressed confidence that other opposition parties would understand and support this objective.
Izumi stated his desire for the CDP to confront all politicians implicated in this controversy through electoral challenges. Yoshida echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that these lawmakers should face judgment from voters directly.
these four CDP leadership candidates have pledged to contest against any LDP members involved in a slush funds scandal during future elections. They believe it is crucial for voters to have an opportunity to express their disapproval through democratic processes and are committed to working together with other opposition parties towards this goal.
