TOKYO, Japan, Dec 12: Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed a fundraising scandal on Monday, committing to take actions aimed at restoring trust in his government. However, he refrained from confirming reports about the potential replacement of four ministers in his cabinet. Allegations regarding unreported funds have presented a significant political challenge to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), causing concerns about the stability of the current administration.

In discussions with reporters on Monday morning, Kishida acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "We'll consider appropriate measures at the right time to restore public trust and prevent delays in national politics."

A late Sunday report from The Asahi newspaper suggested that Kishida had decided to replace four ministers and 11 other ministerial positions in response to public disapproval of a scandal involving alleged undisclosed funding. The reported replacements included Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Internal Affairs Minister Junji Suzuki, and Agriculture Minister Ichiro Miyashita, along with deputies and parliamentary secretaries.

During a Monday briefing, Matsuno, the top government spokesperson, did not provide details on the media report, reiterating that an investigation was underway, and he would take appropriate actions. "I intend to fulfill the responsibilities of duties I have been given," Matsuno told reporters.

On Sunday, Nishimura expressed his intention to remain in the post and review his fundraising proceeds following media reports of an imminent cabinet reshuffle over allegations of unreported funds.

The 15 officials set to be replaced belong to the LDP's significant "Abe faction," which prosecutors have investigated for allegedly concealing hundreds of millions of yen in political funds over five years.

The LDP, which has held power for nearly all of Japan's post-war era, is scheduled to hold leadership elections in September, with a general election due by October 2025 at the latest. The scandal could trigger a power struggle within the party, influencing the outcome of the leadership contest and the party's management.

Kishida is expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday at the end of the current parliament session to explain his administration's responses, as reported by The Asahi.

Even before the fundraising scandal, Kishida's cabinet approval ratings were below 30%, a record low in his premiership since October 2021, reflecting voter concerns over rising living costs and impending tax hikes.