Image Credits: The Japan News
On September 13th, the nine candidates for the LDP presidential election gathered at party headquarters for a pivotal press conference. The discussion focused on crucial issues: party reform in light of recent political funding scandals and labor market reforms to address ongoing challenges.
The candidates were united in their commitment to addressing the party’s transparency and financial management issues. Minister of Economic Security Takaichi emphasized that strict measures would be enforced to prevent future infractions, insisting that penalties for misconduct would not be overturned. Kobayashi Takayuki proposed creating a ‘Party Modernization Executive Headquarters’ to establish and enforce new rules aimed at restoring trust through increased transparency.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stressed the importance of accountability as prescribed in the party’s governance code, advocating for comprehensive reforms and clearer policy explanations. Koizumi Shinjiro called for the elimination of policy activity expenses and the return of unused funds to the national treasury to combat financial opacity. Foreign Minister Kamikawa supported rigorous third-party audits to ensure compliance and transparency comparable to the private sector. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato suggested establishing an independent oversight body within the Diet to manage financial disclosures effectively.
Digital Minister Kono and former Secretary-General Ishiba both endorsed returning unreported funds to the national treasury and implementing stricter regulations to govern party finances. Secretary-General Motegi proposed a complete overhaul of party management and financial practices, emphasizing the need for enhanced transparency to prevent recurrence of similar issues.
In the realm of labor market reform, the candidates presented diverse approaches to tackle labor shortages and wage issues. Takaichi proposed abolishing the ’employed elderly pension system’ and revising the ‘annual income barrier’ to encourage more work participation. Kobayashi cautioned against easing dismissal regulations too quickly, suggesting instead improvements in reskilling and job matching to support labor mobility without causing unemployment.
Hayashi discussed the potential for a monetary relief system for invalid dismissals, while Koizumi highlighted the need for large companies to invest in reskilling initiatives. Kamikawa called for a balanced employment environment that accommodates diverse needs and prevents unilateral dismissals based solely on financial compensation. Kato and Kono supported policies to facilitate labor movement and skill development, aiming to enhance worker incomes.
Ishihara and Mogi proposed reducing non-regular employment and supporting job transitions, with Mogi focusing on startup support and reforms to job placement services. The candidates will continue their debate at a public forum hosted by the Japan National Press Club on September 14th.