Feb 17 • 09:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

The LDP Holds Training Session for New Members After Major House of Representatives Victory, Aiming to Prevent Inappropriate Remarks

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan holds a training session for newly elected members to prevent gaffes and ensure responsible conduct after a significant electoral win.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan conducted a training session on the 17th for newly elected members who won their seats in the recent House of Representatives election, marking a historic victory with 66 newcomers joining the party. Acknowledging the high approval ratings of the Cabinet as a driving force for their success, the LDP aims to prevent any inappropriate remarks or actions from these new politicians that could provoke public backlash. LDP Secretary-General Toshiaki Suzuki emphasized the importance of being mindful of the scrutiny they will face from the public, stating that the large number of seats secured comes with elevated expectations and responsibilities.

The training session, which transitioned to a closed format for about an hour and a half, featured several party officials, including Koichi Hagiuda and Takako Suzuki, who provided insights on the mindset required for being a parliamentarian. Participants were cautioned about the proper management of political funds, and Suzuki later noted to reporters that the training emphasized balancing national and local duties effectively. This proactive measure indicates the party's desire to safeguard against potential missteps, especially considering the context of the special session of the Diet set to begin on the 18th.

The urgency to gather new members before the special Diet session arises from past experiences, notably the 2005 postal privatization election, when fresh faces made gaffes that drew public criticism. The LDP's fears have intensified following issues linked to political donations which led to the disbanding of various factions, traditionally seen as mentors for younger politicians. Current officials recognize that the party headquarters must take on the responsibility of educating newcomers more directly, and they plan to continue holding such training sessions to ensure the new members are well-prepared for their roles.

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