Japan's Ruling Party's Largest Faction Dissolves Amid Scandal

The largest faction in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to disband amid a political funds scandal, following the pledge by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to dissolve his own faction. The move aims to restore public trust in the party, which has been rattled by allegations of slush funds and lack of transparency. While some view the disbandment as a bold reform, others see it as a political performance, urging Kishida to implement measures to strengthen financial oversight. The scandal has led to intense scrutiny and public outrage, pushing approval ratings for Kishida's Cabinet down sharply, and prosecutors have indicted accountants and lawmakers from various factions on suspicion of failing to report political funds.