In the Maebashi mayoral election held on the 4th, opposition party newcomer Akira Ogawa (41) was elected for the first time, defeating incumbent Ryu Yamamoto (64), who was endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. The defeat in Gunma, which is known as a “conservative kingdom,” sparked widespread voices within the ruling party to take it seriously. The move by some members of the Liberal Democratic Party to support Mr. Ogawa had an impact, but the scandal involving a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party’s political party slush funds and its handling of the incident also caused a major blow. The opposition parties aim to use this victory to lead to the third House of Representatives by-election in April.
◆“If we disband now…” Ruling party in fear
“Maebashi is a stronghold of the Liberal Democratic Party. It made me realize how strong the headwinds are.” One Liberal Democratic Party member said with an air of surprise. Analyzing the reason for the defeat, he said, “The attitude towards political reform was seen to be insufficient, as some factions continued to exist.The issue of Vice President Taro Aso questioning Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa’s appearance and age also had an impact.”
Another LDP lawmaker fearfully said, “If we dissolve the House of Representatives now, the consequences will be disastrous.” A Komeito official in a coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party said with a grim expression, “We have to take a hard look at the reasons for our defeat.”
Akira Ogawa receives congratulations from his supporters after winning the election on February 4th at the election office in Maebashi City.
The opposition parties gain momentum. A senior official of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, which supported Mr. Ogawa in his election, said, “Public sentiment for non-Liberal Democratic Party politics is increasing.Politics and money will be major issues in the third by-election in April.” At a press conference, Communist Party Secretary-General Akira Koike said, “This result shows the anger of citizens over the slush fund issue.”
◆Expert: “Will it have an impact on the April by-election?”
Kazunori Kawamura, an associate professor of political science at Tohoku University Graduate School, pointed out, “In addition to the defection of independent voters due to the slush fund scandal, the current incumbent is in his third term, so his support organization may have been weaker than expected.” He added, “The presidential election for the prefectural capital is similar in population and area to the “1st district” of the House of Representatives’ single-seat constituencies.It may also have an impact on the House of Representatives by-election in April.” (Nobuko Ohno, Kei Ganaha)
2024-02-05 11:29:17
#shock #LDPs #defeat #Maebashi #City #stronghold #conservative #kingdom #slush #fund #scandal #affect #city #reminded #strength #headwind #Tokyo #Shimbun #TOKYO #Web
