Image Credits: mainichi.jp
This controversy began in March when a senior official’s document detailing the allegations was leaked to the media. In a press conference, Saito dismissed the claims, stating that the document contained “100 lies,” implying that those behind it were unfit for public service.
The situation escalated after the whistleblower, who used the prefecture’s system to report the misconduct, faced disciplinary action and tragically died in July, suspected to be a suicide. In response, the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly established a committee to investigate the allegations.
During a committee meeting on June 14, Governor Saito expressed regret if anyone felt burdened by his actions but maintained that the determination of power harassment should rest with the committee. Additionally, he acknowledged receiving gifts during official trips, which further complicated the matter.
As pressure mounted, all 86 members of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly called for Saito’s resignation, an unprecedented show of unity. However, Saito has remained defiant, stating he will not resign.
Should the motion of no confidence pass, Governor Saito faces a critical choice: either dissolve the assembly or vacate his position. If he resigns, a gubernatorial election would take place within 50 days, allowing him the chance to seek re-election. Conversely, dissolving the assembly would trigger an election within 40 days, but it would likely lead to another no-confidence vote, jeopardizing his position once again.
Historically, there have been four instances since 1975 where governors faced successful no-confidence motions. In each case, the governors resigned rather than dissolve their assemblies. Notably, Gifu’s Saburo Hirano resigned immediately in 1976 over corruption allegations, while Nagano’s Yasuo Tanaka was ousted in 2002 but later re-elected. Tokushima’s Tadashi Ota and Miyazaki’s Tadayori Ando also stepped down following similar motions in 2003 and 2006, respectively.
Governor Saito’s next steps are critical as he navigates these serious allegations and the potential fallout from the assembly’s actions.