The former Unification Church has attracted attention since the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe. An active Liberal Democratic Party member responded to an interview about the closeness of the “distance” between politicians and the cult.
The case highlighted the connection between politics and the former Unification Church.
An incumbent member of the Liberal Democratic Party said, “I heard it before the upper house election.”
Liberal Democratic Party, Member of the House of Councilors Shigeharu Aoyama: “There was a talk from a conscientious member who I trust very much. There was a talk that he wanted to allocate the votes of the former Unification Church, and he refused it. ” “
Shigeharu Aoyama, who was re-elected in the Upper House election, is said to have confirmed the facts with this “faction leader.”
Liberal Democratic Party, Member of the House of Councilors Shigeharu Aoyama: “I’m not trying to win the election with the old Unification Church, but because the number of votes held by industry groups is decreasing, I can’t win by itself.”
What do LDP candidates think about getting the support of the former Unification Church?
Liberal Democratic Party, Member of the House of Councilors Shigeharu Aoyama: “It is hidden that we are supporting the former Unification Church. Even if it is not a religion, with the support of some group, voters are voting even though it is a considerable vote. It’s strange not to know. If there are victims or lawsuits among the reasons for being hidden, it’s an extra big problem. “
The former Unification Church responded to the interview that “political efforts seem to be carried out by” friendship groups “, but we should not answer.”
Yoshiyuki Inoue, who ran as a national proportional candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party, said after being elected.
Mr. Yoshiyuki Inoue, Liberal Democratic Party: “I received support from the World Peace Union. I am a supporting member because I got support for the six national policies.”
The “Unification Church of the World” is an organization that was chaired by the late Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the former Unification Church.
Mr. Yamaguchi, the representative of the Komeito, was asked more broadly about the relationship between “politics and religion.”
Komeito representative Natsuo Yamaguchi: “(Q. What kind of relationship is appropriate between politics and religion?) There are various reports, and the investigation as an incident is underway, so I would like to refrain from commenting. I would like to firmly assess the situation in the future. “
The Liberal Democratic Party is not the only one whose relationship with the former Unification Church has been pointed out.
Hirofumi Yoshimura, Deputy Representative of Nippon Ishin no Kai: “It is reported that some members of the Nippon Ishin no Kai are participating in the events of the former Unification Church. I think we should explain exactly what the relationship is and what it is. “
Representative Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People revealed that he had received a donation from the former president of Sekai Nippo, which is said to have a close relationship with the former Unification Church.
Representative of the Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki: “I received a donation of 20,000 yen and 10,000 yen from the former president of Sekai Nippo in 2016. It is a fact when I checked this. There is nothing wrong with it, so I’m not thinking about returning it at this time. “
The Communist Party plans to launch the former Unification Church issue pursuit team on the 21st.
Akira Koike, Secretary General of the Communist Party: “It has been revealed that many members of the Liberal Democratic Party and other members have participated in meetings of related organizations and sent messages. The Liberal Democratic Party and the (former) Unification Church have joined together. ) Political work by the Unification Church. I think it is necessary to clarify this whole picture. “
Fukushima, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, said the impact on the LDP’s policy should be examined.
Mizuho Fukushima, leader of the Social Democratic Party: “It is said that (the former Unification Church) was dispatched as a secretary and in various ways (to members of the Liberal Democratic Party). I think the parliamentary policy was extremely distorted. I think it needs a thorough examination. “