Japan's ruling LDP explores future without powerful factions

Slush fund scandal reignites debate on alternatives to intraparty groups

The Liberal Democratic Party's factions, like one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, wield significant influence over appointments, electoral campaigns and more. © Reuters

KOSUKE TAKEUCHI, RYOTA OGATA and YUKI FUJITA, Nikkei staff writers

January 20, 2024 06:51 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's snowballing slush fund scandal is forcing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to consider disbanding factions that have long held sway over party affairs, but its attempt at reform could crumble without an alternative mechanism.

"In order to dispel concerns and restore trust, we must come up with rules governing policy groups," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the LDP's president, said Friday.