Image Credits: www.asahi.com
In a significant policy reversal, Yoshimura Hirofumi, co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party and Governor of Osaka Prefecture, has indicated that the party may call for the resignation of Hyogo Prefecture Governor Saito Motohiko. This change comes in response to ongoing internal whistleblower allegations of power harassment against Saito. Yoshimura’s comments on August 27 suggest a departure from the party’s previous wait-and-see approach.
The Japan Restoration Party, which had initially taken a cautious stance—emphasizing the need for a full revelation of the facts—has now decided to reassess its position. This shift follows a recent standing executive meeting where party members expressed dissatisfaction with Saito’s failure to adequately address the allegations.
Yoshimura revealed that the party would await Saito’s testimony before the Prefectural Assembly Special Investigative Committee on August 30 before making a definitive decision. He acknowledged that if Saito’s response was insufficient, the party would consider recommending his resignation or even submitting a motion of no confidence. This marks a notable departure from the earlier position of waiting for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The decision comes on the heels of a significant political setback for the party: the defeat of the incumbent mayor of Minoh City in the recent mayoral election. The Osaka Restoration Association, which endorsed the mayor, experienced its first loss in the prefecture. There are growing concerns within the party that the handling of the Hyogo governor’s issue may have influenced the election results adversely.
Yoshimura conceded that the election defeat likely prompted the party’s shift in stance. Nonetheless, he underscored the importance of continuing investigations through both the 100-article committee and an independent third-party committee to fully uncover the truth behind the allegations against Governor Saito.
The evolving situation underscores the pressures facing the Japan Restoration Party as it navigates its response to significant internal and external challenges.