"Somehow, I want to keep going"
With teary eyes, expresses will to stay in office
Jimin-to to soon submit no-confidence motion
A Japanese politician facing pressure to resign amid numerous 'gapjil controversies,' including identifying and disciplining an employee who reported his misconduct leading to the employee's death, shed tears during an emergency press conference. Despite being effectively disavowed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) that nominated him as well as all current assembly members, he expressed his desire to retain his gubernatorial position.
Japanese media outlet FNN reported on the 11th (local time) that Hyogo Prefecture Governor Saito Mokohito held a press conference to state his position. Governor Saito, embroiled in various controversies such as abuse of power and corruption allegations, is facing calls for resignation not only from public opinion but also from political circles.
Entering the conference room and bowing his head before reporters, he suddenly shed tears and apologized, saying, "I am sorry. I am not a perfect person and I believe I have made mistakes, but still, I feel frustrated with myself."
Governor Mokohito Saito of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, holding a press conference [Image source=NHK broadcast capture]
According to the media, the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly plans to request Saito's resignation on the 12th. Furthermore, on the opening day of the regular assembly session on the 26th, the LDP, the largest party within the assembly, is expected to submit a no-confidence resolution. In effect, Saito has been abandoned by the LDP that nominated him in the 2021 election.
However, despite being cornered, Governor Saito has not indicated any intention to resign voluntarily. He stated, "If the LDP submits a no-confidence motion, the situation will become truly difficult," but added, "I am aware of the LDP's criticisms, but my thought is that I want to continue serving as the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture by any means."
When asked by reporters, "We want to know why you want to keep your position as governor even though the entire assembly is demanding your resignation," Saito replied, "Because I was asked by the residents three years ago and promised to serve firmly for four years," emphasizing, "The request was made three years ago." In other words, he intends to maintain his position for one more year until completing his term.
After the press conference, the hashtag '#SaitoGovernorKeepItUp' reportedly gained popularity for a while on Japanese social media platforms. However, the media noted, "It is unclear whether the public is genuinely supporting Governor Saito or simply mocking him."
Meanwhile, it was revealed that in March, when a former Hyogo Prefecture bureau chief sent documents summarizing Saito's misconduct and abuse of power allegations to some media outlets, Saito ordered the identification of the whistleblower and subsequently disciplined the bureau chief. The bureau chief then took an extreme step, urging the exposure of Saito's corruption.
Following the revelation of this incident, local authorities launched a large-scale internal investigation into Saito's abuse of power and misconduct whistleblowing among Hyogo Prefectural Office employees. Various cases of Saito's abuse of power came to light, intensifying the controversy. The allegations surrounding him include: pre-election campaigning targeting executives and local organizations before the gubernatorial election; accepting gifts from organizations or companies during inspections, including those intended for employees but kept for himself; hitting desks in anger; verbally abusing employees for closing elevator doors while he was inside; moving "No Vehicle Entry" signs to allow vehicle access; and abusing power by claiming "I am the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture" when refused same-day reservations at a reservation-only restaurant.
Previously, Saito was elected in the current election after being nominated by Nippon Ishin no Kai and the LDP in 2021. However, the LDP is now officially demanding his resignation and plans to submit a no-confidence motion.
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