On the 4th, LDP Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu (68) held a press conference in Tokyo and announced his candidacy for the LDP presidential election (nominations announced on the 12th, voting on the 27th). He emphasized “zero tax increases” by promoting a growth strategy. He said that 1 trillion yen each of the defense tax increase and the additional burden of child-rearing support insurance premiums would be suspended. He also called for the abolition of policy activity expenses paid to party executives, which do not require disclosure of their use. In conjunction with his candidacy, he indicated his intention to transfer the authority of Secretary-General to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who is the party president, from the 5th.

He is the fifth person to announce his candidacy for the LDP presidential election, tying the previous record since the party introduced the candidacy system in 1972. This is Motegi’s first time running.

Despite serving as Secretary-General, the party’s second-in-command, there were voices within the party that called his plan to reverse policies decided by the Kishida administration, such as increasing defense taxes, “unprincipled” (a former cabinet minister).

Motegi stated, “If we don’t see results within three years, the top leadership will take responsibility.” He said that policies to strengthen defense and support childcare would continue, but added that with the growth in tax and non-tax revenues, it will be possible to secure financial resources in the trillions of yen, and that “we will ease concerns about the increased burden on the people.” (Kyodo News)