Fukuoka LDP assembly faces money transfer scandal

A major political scandal involving allegations of illicit money transfers within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly remains unresolved two months after its emergence. Former assembly chair Gensho Yoshimatsu testified that LDP assembly leaders demanded over 20 million yen in connection with his appointment as chair. This testimony was supported by former Vice Chair Hideyuki Eto, who admitted to paying 5 million yen to another member and approximately 8.25 million yen in total, including payments for entertainment and golf. While several members have provided specific testimonies regarding these payments, the accused LDP leaders have denied receiving any funds, leaving the core facts in dispute.

The scandal has expanded beyond the assembly itself. In Kitakyushu, Mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi announced an investigation into how city officials handle assembly requests following revelations of unjust demands made by Fukuoka prefectural assembly members toward city staff. The controversy has also impacted local governance, leading to the resignation of former assembly chair Isao Kurauchi and triggering upcoming by-elections.