The Hyogo Prefectural gubernatorial election following the loss of Saito Motohiko's post has been announced, and seven candidates have filed their candidacy. The biggest issue is how to restructure the prefecture's administration, which continues to be in turmoil. ■ "The LDP splits into three in the vast Hyogo Prefecture" - People involved - What is being questioned is his qualifications as a governor. On the 31st of last month, about 300 people gathered at the campaign launch ceremony for former Hyogo Prefectural Governor Saito Motohiko in Kobe's Chuo Ward. Saito said, "I will reflect on what I should reflect on and correct what I should correct. I will look at myself and ensure that we achieve a good prefectural administration." Saito was unanimously given a vote of no confidence by the assembly for problems with his response to an internal whistleblower who accused him of power harassment. At a press conference in September, Saito said, "I'm very sorry about that... well, I'm very sorry," and tears welled up in his eyes. On the 31st of last month, Saito said emphatically, "Various political parties and politicians have been saying that they cannot allow Saito Motohiko to become governor. I absolutely cannot lose to that." However, it does not seem that the LDP is in a situation where it is surrounded by enemies. This time, the LDP was unable to field its own candidate and voted freely. However, since Saito was fired by the prefectural assembly just one month ago, a senior member of the LDP Hyogo Prefectural Assembly said, "It is tacitly understood that we will not vote for Saito." On the other hand, some LDP city council members in Hyogo Prefecture have said, "The decision to ban support for a specific candidate is a major departure from the party's approach of valuing freedom." Interviews with multiple people involved revealed that the LDP is divided into three factions in the vast Hyogo prefecture. An LDP source said, "Some prefectural assembly members are supporting Inamura. Kobe city assembly members are backing Shimizu. And in the southwestern part of the prefecture, there are strong voices supporting Saito." Why is Saito supported in the southwestern part of the prefecture? One possible reason is the presence of Nishimura Yasutoshi, who was elected in the House of Representatives election despite not receiving official endorsement due to a secret funds scandal. Three years ago, Nishimura posted on social media, "We, the LDP Diet members, are proud that Governor Saito was born with our recommendation and support, and we will work together with the governor to address each and every issue in Hyogo Prefecture." Nishimura, who fully supported Saito and pushed him to the governorship, has his base in the southwestern part of the prefecture and has a strong influence. An LDP source said, "It seems that a month ago, some people were worried about public opinion and were unable to oppose the no-confidence motion, but now that the gubernatorial election is over, there are many people who say, 'I can only support Saito.'" ■What are the issues in the election? Seven candidates A total of seven people are running. The issues raised include "evaluation of the Saito administration" and "revitalization of the stagnant prefectural administration." Former House of Councilors member Takayuki Shimizu: "I am sad and frustrated that my beloved Hyogo Prefecture has been spread nationwide as bad news. I want to spread my beloved Hyogo Prefecture to the rest of the country in a positive way." Former Amagasaki Mayor Kazumi Inamura: "Hyogo Prefecture is in unprecedented confusion and crisis. We cannot leave it like this. Now, this time, I want to create a new Hyogo together with everyone." Doctor Yoshikiyo Osawa (recommended by the Communist Party): "The prefectural government is now required to think about what is necessary for the people of the prefecture and create an organization where they can discuss freely. We will correct the confusion and normalize the prefectural administration." Company president Shigeyuki Fukumoto appeals for the need for policies to ensure that young people and the elderly are not left behind. Political party leader Takashi Tachibana argues that "it is healthy for former Governor Saito to return to office and continue to lead the prefectural administration." Company president Hiroshi Kijima has proposed a plan to merge Hyogo Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture to form the Kansai state. (From "Good! Morning" broadcast on November 1, 2024) [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp