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All 86 members of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly have agreed to submit a motion of no confidence against Governor Motohiko Saito, set for the first day of the regular session on September 19. This decision follows ongoing controversy related to whistle-blowing documents accusing the Governor, which has led all parties and members to demand his resignation. Despite these demands, Governor Saito has refused to step down, signaling his intention to remain in office. Consequently, the prefectural assembly is poised to proceed with the legally binding motion, which is anticipated to pass given the unanimous support from assembly members.
On September 12, all parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with 37 members, Komeito (13 members), the Hyogo Prefectural Citizens’ Alliance (9 members), and the Communist Party (2 members), as well as four independents, announced their intention to resign immediately. The LDP Secretary-General, Kitano Minoru, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “We urge the governor to heed the unified demand of all parties.” The Japan Innovation Party, the second-largest faction with 21 members, had previously called for a resignation and new election on September 9.
In preparation for the assembly session, the LDP prefectural group has decided to submit the motion of no confidence alongside approving a supplementary budget bill aimed at addressing rising prices. The bill, slated for submission on September 19, will be followed by a vote on the same day, with the intention to then pass the no-confidence motion.
The Ishin Party, which also resigned on September 9, held a general meeting on September 12. Party head Kishiguchi Minoru confirmed that all parties are aligned in their commitment to the no-confidence motion. Komeito, scheduled to hold its general meeting on September 13, is expected to support the joint motion. Ueno Eiichi, Secretary-General of the Prefectural Citizens’ Alliance, expressed satisfaction with the coalition’s efforts, emphasizing their shared goal.
Communist and independent lawmakers have also pledged their support.
To pass the no-confidence motion, it must secure approval from more than two-thirds of assembly members present and obtain a favorable vote from more than three-quarters. If successful, Governor Saito will be removed unless he opts to dissolve the assembly within 10 days. Should he choose dissolution, a new prefectural assembly election would follow within 40 days. If the newly elected assembly passes the motion, Governor Saito would lose his position. Historically, there have been only four instances where a no-confidence motion against a prefectural governor has been approved, with all resulting in the governor resigning or losing office without assembly dissolution.