Overview

• In Fukuoka on Oct. 6, CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda called the planned elevation of figures tied to the faction funding scandal "incomprehensible" from the public’s perspective.
• Party sources tell the Mainichi that Sanae Takaichi is moving to name Koichi Hagiuda acting secretary‑general, a senior role for the Abe‑faction heavyweight linked to the slush‑money affair.
• Jiji reports the LDP aims to inaugurate its new leadership on Oct. 7, with Shun'ichi Suzuki considered for secretary‑general, Taka Kobayashi for policy chief, and Minoru Kihara floated as chief cabinet secretary candidate.
• Noda also suggested that installing former finance minister Suzuki as the party’s No. 2 could undercut Takaichi’s active‑fiscal brand.
• The personnel choices have quickly become an early test of Takaichi’s approach to scandal‑tainted factions and the LDP’s effort to manage the fallout.