Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Speaker faces no-confidence motion

Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly member Genaki Yoshimatsu is preparing to submit a motion of no-confidence or a resolution recommending the resignation of Assembly Speaker Isao Kurauchi during an extraordinary session on August 17.

The move follows Yoshimatsu’s testimony regarding allegations of illicit money exchanges involving the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party, the assembly’s largest faction. Yoshimatsu testified that approximately 20 million yen was paid to a faction official in 2020, prior to his own appointment as speaker. The controversy also includes criticisms regarding expensive overseas inspection trips and the handling of these issues by Speaker Kurauchi.

In addition to the no-confidence motion, the upcoming session is expected to include deliberations on establishing a third-party committee to investigate the allegations and an election to select a successor to former Vice Speaker Masayuki Nakao, who resigned following allegations of handing over cash.