Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly faces scrutiny over 50-year subsidy practice

Fukuoka Prefecture is facing scrutiny after it was revealed that the local government has provided annual subsidies of up to 12 million yen to 13 voluntary parliamentary groups within the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly for over 50 years. According to the assembly secretariat, Fukuoka is the only prefecture in Japan to maintain such a system. These funds, which were allocated based on business and income plans submitted by the groups, have reportedly been used for expenses such as overseas travel and social activities.

In response to the discovery, the prefecture is considering suspending the payments and abolishing the subsidy system. The controversy is compounded by internal political friction; the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) prefectural assembly group recently suspended the membership of Prefectural Assembly member Hiroyuki Eto. The disciplinary action was taken after Eto failed to follow party orders during a vote regarding a former assembly chairperson accused of financial misconduct.

Critics, including writer Satoshi Ishido, have questioned the lack of oversight and the impact on taxpayers, noting that the funds could have been used for public infrastructure, such as installing air conditioning in elementary school gymnasiums. The scandal is expected to influence the upcoming unified local elections in April.