Factions in the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly are shocked by the Nov. 17 re-election of former governor Motohiko Saito, who was automatically ousted from power after a unanimous no-confidence motion in September following his allegations of harassment in office . Each faction is now looking for the best way to react.

The LDP will “carefully evaluate its attitude”

Minoru Kitano, secretary general of the group of prefectural assembly members belonging to the Liberal Democratic Party, spearheaded the submission of the censure resolution. He commented: “We will take the will of the people seriously and respond to it. It is not beneficial to be solely confrontational, which is why the prefectural assembly should also engage in dialogue with the residents of the prefecture to regain their trust. his attitude after taking office.

CDP-affiliated faction: “There may be no restoration of confidence”

Hidekazu Ueno, secretary general of the Hyogo Citizens’ Union affiliated with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said with a stern look: “This should not have happened.” He (Saito) said the death of former director general of the Nishiharima Prefectural Government District Administrative Office was “very regrettable”, but did not apologize. There may be no rebuilding of trust with prefectural government employees. As a faction, we would like to continue to take a realistic and fair approach to Saito’s policies, as we have been doing. in the past.”

Nippon Ishin will “respond pragmatically and fairly”

Minoru Kishiguchi, leader of the Nippon Ishin prefectural assembly faction (the Japanese Innovation Party), who then asked Takayuki Shimizu, then a member of the House of Councilors, to run for governor of Hyogo , commented: “Our candidate failed to win the elections. residents of the prefecture that Saito won the elections with more than a million votes, and we will work as a group of members of the prefectural assembly respecting the results regarding budgets and policies, we would like respond pragmatically and fairly. its promises to promote communication with the prefectural assembly and staff.”

Komeito ‘would like to solemnly engage in political discussions’

Hiroya Koshida, secretary general of the Komeito assembly members group, which has not officially endorsed a candidate but actually supported Kazumi Inamura, said: “We would like to firmly accept the fact that he (Saito) was elected by the will of the residents of the prefecture. Since our policies do not conflict with his, we would like to solemnly engage in political discussions through further discussion.

JCP “will continue to clarify the facts”

Etsuko Shomoto, leader of the faction of members of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) who supported physician Yoshikiyo Osawa in the election, commented: “My impression is that the campaign was not a political battle, but that the voters were stimulated by the Internet. which is disappointing. We will continue to clarify the facts in the special investigative committee (on Saito’s allegations of harassment).

(Maïichi)