Japan’s ruling party headquarters firebombed amid scandal

A man has been arrested after throwing several firebombs at the headquarters of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, according to reports from NHK and other Japanese media.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in Saturday’s incident.

The suspect, whose motive remains unclear, drove his car into a nearby fence before throwing the Molotov cocktail-like objects at the building.

Tokyo police are investigating the attack, but have yet to release further details. The LDP, facing a major political scandal, declined to comment, referring investigations to the police.

The attack comes at a sensitive time for the party, which has been grappling with public discontent over a growing money scandal involving questionable funding and alleged tax evasion.

With lower house elections set for October 27, the LDP faces increased scrutiny. Several politicians involved in the scandal have lost the party’s official endorsement and have chosen to run as independents.

Amid this turmoil, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently dissolved Parliament, a strategic move aimed at consolidating power and restoring public confidence in the LDP. Ishiba, who was appointed last week, is counting on his new leadership and the fragmented opposition to win the next election.

He stressed the need for fair and honest elections to restore public confidence, which has been eroded by scandals and price hikes under his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.

The dissolution of Parliament allows Ishiba to launch early elections, seeking to strengthen his mandate to implement policies that address pressing issues, including increased defense spending and support for regions suffering from Japan’s demographic crisis.

The LDP has historically dominated Japanese politics, guiding the country’s post-war transformation into an economic powerhouse.

However, the last few years have been a challenge for the party. In 2022, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated while campaigning, an event linked to Abe’s alleged ties to the controversial Unification Church, an issue that still haunts the party today.

As the election approaches, Ishiba’s leadership will be tested, with the LDP hoping to retain its majority despite growing public discontent.

The recent firebomb attack adds to the growing pressure on the ruling party, which is facing not only internal strife but also public outrage as the election date approaches.