Japan's PM Kishida Faces Deepening Political Scandal, Considers Cabinet Overhaul

As approval ratings plummet, Kishida promises 'appropriate steps' to restore public trust amid allegations of unreported funds within his party.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing a deepening political scandal involving allegations of unreported funds received by several government and party officials, including those from his own former faction within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The scandal, which is expected to lead to multiple sackings of senior officials and possibly even the prosecution of Cabinet members, has resulted in Kishida's approval rating plummeting to 23%, the lowest in his nearly 26-month tenure.
Kishida is reportedly considering a full-fledged Cabinet overhaul, including the removal of all members of the faction formerly led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from government and party leadership posts.
Despite the scandal, the LDP is expected to remain in power due to divisions within the opposition, but Kishida's future as the party leader is uncertain.
Kishida has promised to take 'appropriate steps' to restore public trust and avoid delays in national politics, with media reports suggesting a Cabinet and top party posts shuffle as early as Thursday.