News reports or official statements from the Japanese or U.S. government

Japan Abolishes Undisclosed Political Funds; PM Ishiba Announces Budget Approval, Seeks Trump Meeting

Dec 24, 2024, 08:41 AM

Japan's National Diet has passed political reform legislation abolishing the use of undisclosed 'policy activity funds', marking a step forward in enhancing political transparency. The political reform laws, approved on December 24 during the final day of the extraordinary Diet session, include the complete abolition of these funds, the establishment of a third-party oversight body within the Diet to monitor political financing, and a commitment to reach a conclusion on corporate and group donations by March 2025. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a press conference following the Diet closure, emphasizing the importance of transparency in political funding and stating, "It's important to take even one step forward." He also announced that the Cabinet will approve the fiscal 2025 budget on December 27 and expressed his intention to meet with U.S. President-elect Trump as soon as possible to deepen Japan-U.S. relations. Additionally, Ishiba indicated plans to step up measures to raise minimum wages, submit legislation to strengthen disaster prevention measures, and improve the treatment of the Self-Defense Forces in the next regular Diet session.