Japan's Kishida says no plan to dissolve Diet after defeat in by-elections

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Saturday that he has no plan to dissolve parliament, a week after his Liberal Democratic Party lost three seats in House of Representatives by-elections with a slush funds scandal undermining the LDP's popularity, Report informs via Nikkei Asia.

The by-elections were held on April 28 with the ruling LDP under intense scrutiny following revelations that its factions had neglected to report portions of their income from fundraising parties and accumulated slush funds for years for their members.

"I will do my best to address issues that cannot be postponed, such as implementing political reforms," Kishida said at a press conference in San Paulo before concluding his six-day tour that took him to France, Brazil and Paraguay.

"I believe it is important to produce results on the challenges, and I am focused solely on that," Kishida added, while pledging to begin discussions with LDP lawmakers on how to revise the political funds control law immediately after he returns to Tokyo.

Kishida's government and the ruling bloc are aiming to amend the legislation, which has been criticized for loopholes enabling politicians to maintain slush funds, during the ongoing parliamentary session through June.

The LDP, however, has been slammed by the opposition camp for its reluctance to review monthly payments of 1 million yen ($6,500) that lawmakers receive for research, study, and public relations activities. They are not required to report how this money is spent.

At the news conference in Brazil's biggest city, Kishida said he has already instructed LDP members to proceed with talks about how to improve the system with other political parties and reach a conclusion as soon as possible.

Commenting on his overseas trip, Kishida said that Japan has successfully deepened ties with emerging and developing countries, collectively dubbed the Global South. Brazil is seen as a key player among such nations, along with India and Indonesia.

Kishida also visited France during his tour. He agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron to initiate negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement so that the two countries can facilitate closer defense cooperation.