On the 19th, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan appointed former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasunori Nishimura as its election strategy chief and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Matsuno as the head of the organizational activities committee. Both are prominent members of the former Abe faction, which has faced scrutiny due to their involvement in a slush fund scandal. Their reinstatement, along with Koichi Hagiuda serving as acting secretary-general, has sparked doubts within the party regarding the ethics of these appointments.

In a press conference following an extraordinary general meeting, the chair of the general council, Haruko Arimura, commented on the appointments, stating that both individuals had made efforts to fulfill their accountability concerning the slush fund issue and expressed hope for them to rebuild trust through their work. The re-emergence of these figures is notable considering they were previously sidelined following the scandal. Their return is perceived as part of a broader revival of the former Abe faction within the LDP, although it has also drawn criticism from party members.

The retention of influential roles by individuals associated with controversial financial practices raises concerns about governance and accountability within the LDP. As Prime Minister Sanae Takichi leads the party, questions linger about the implications of reinstating those linked to past scandals and the potential impact on public trust in the ruling party, amid ongoing scrutiny of political financing and the integrity of party leadership.