Supporters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are feeling betrayed and skeptical after allegations of misconduct regarding political fundraising parties organized by the Abe faction were brought to light. The faction is accused of funneling excessive funds back to party members, leaving those who purchased tickets feeling deceived and questioning the purpose of their contributions.
A Tokyo company president, who is a supporter of House of Councillors member Seiko Hashimoto, revealed that his name was not included in the faction’s political funds reports, despite purchasing 20 tickets annually for the past three years. Hashimoto’s secretary had pressured the company president to buy tickets to meet the party’s sales quotas, but the president was dismayed to find no mention of his contributions in the political funds reports. This has caused disillusionment and frustration among supporters who expected their donations to be used for meaningful political activities.
The allegations have also raised concerns about the role of personal connections and the motives behind purchasing tickets for political fundraising parties. A Tokyo-based consulting firm executive admitted to buying party tickets as a form of donation and to maintain contacts with Diet members, while expressing disappointment in the recent events.
Furthermore, an Aichi Prefecture-based company executive, who frequently purchased tickets for political fundraising parties held by House of Representatives lawmakers Yoshitaka Ikeda and the Abe faction, expressed anger over the lack of explanation provided by Ikeda’s secretary. The executive felt deceived after attending faction parties held at a Tokyo hotel and receiving no satisfactory answers from the secretary regarding the allegations. The absence of transparency and accountability in the handling of the funds has left donors questioning the purpose and integrity of their contributions.
The revelations have sparked public outrage, with many calling for thorough explanations and accountability from the lawmakers involved. This has put pressure on politicians to prioritize meaningful political activities over meeting sales quotas and to restore credibility and trust in political fundraising efforts.
