Suga under pressure over Abe scandal

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is under fire after sources told local media his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters

Politicians in Japan are forbidden to provide anything to constituents that could be construed as a gift. The rule is so strict that one cabinet minister quit in 2014 after distributing paper fans during the summer.

So what's the issue, someone broke law, that's it.

Yes, Abe broke a law. The point is that this is one we know about. There are many, many more. The LDP is riddled with corruption and Suga knows this.

What can he possibly do to protect his master for whom he has been lying for years, that's the question... So he will ask Abe, "Ooooo master, what should I tell them? Please tell me Ooooo all knowing master!!!"

The music has started to play. Get ready to move Suga-san.

Could there be any connection between this and other scandals and Abe becoming sick, so sick that he had to resign? It is extraodinary how an upcoming scandal or prosecution can affect the health of a politician, particularly and member of the LDP.

Suga was a loyal Abe supporter but now he is PM. And as ever politician he will not hesitate, if needed, to throw Abe under the bus.

but I think this “ scandal” is a storm in a cup and a politicians in fight. There are worse crimes Abe should answer to like the purchase of the land for the school. I think Mrs Abe has a lot to answer too aswell

Can someone remind me who the richest Japanese politician is again....

Politicians in Japan are forbidden to provide anything to constituents that could be construed as a gift. The rule is so strict that one cabinet minister quit in 2014 after distributing paper fans during the summer.

Abe may be guilty on this count if charged, and I wouldn't defend it. One thing I don't get is, Abe never had to give favoritism to anyone of his constituents. His political base in Yamaguchi Pref. is so big and solid that Abe has always enjoyed landslide election wins in a row, without a visit to his district during campaigns (his wife Akiko often led and took care in his behalf).

Suga is Abe's fall guy.

Put them both in jail and Abe’s wife while they are at it. It will send a message to people like Ishihara, Koike, Maihara etc that they are not untouchable.

Suga who was chief cabinet office secretary is accomplice of many scandals about Abe government.

He seems to be related with also cancellation of arrest warrant against biographer of Abe or bribery issue of Olympics 2020.

Put them both in jail and Abe’s wife while they are at it. It will send a message to people like Ishihara, Koike, Maihara etc that they are not untouchable.

Sigh..If only...

What do you think this is ...South Korea?;)

LOL! Brilliant!

I was watching that on NHK news about 4 pm or so.

Kudos to the spokeswoman (can't remember her name) for the JCP.

She brought some deserved applause from opposition members in the Diet for making he who shall not be named look like a back-pedalling sycophant. Entertaining political theater.