Overview
- The Liberal Democratic Party cleared the Lower House seat-reduction bill at its Policy Research Council on Dec. 4 and seeks joint submission with Nippon Ishin pending General Council approval on Dec. 5.
- A Constitutional Democratic Party leader who controls the political reform committee declared that a vote on the seat-cut measure will not be permitted.
- Three competing proposals to tighten oversight of corporate and group donations are already before the special committee, including a Kokumin–Komeito plan that would limit recipients to party headquarters.
- The ruling camp suggested holding committee sessions on Dec. 8–9 to keep the donations debate moving, but opposition parties rejected the timetable.
- With the Diet session due to end on Dec. 17 and supplemental budget deliberations starting Dec. 8, prospects for swift passage have dimmed and a session extension is being considered.