At 17:31 on Nov. 9, Xinhua reported that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) warned former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and three other party lawmakers for walking out before a vote on a bill to cut the food‑consumption tax.
According to the report, the lawmakers left the chamber prior to the vote, a move that the party discipline committee deemed unacceptable. It is the first time the LDP has taken disciplinary action against a former prime minister.
The LDP had confronted the lawmakers about their absences during a critical vote on the tax‑cut bill, which would reduce levies on food purchases. By issuing warnings, the party signal its intent to enforce rules on party members, regardless of former status.
Japanese media outlets, including the Asahi Shimbun, covered the incident, noting the historical significance of a former leader facing discipline. The LDP's decision underscores the party’s effort to maintain internal cohesion on key policy measures.
For now, the former prime minister and the other lawmakers are expected to comply with the party’s directive and remain in the LDP but take care to attend future votes.
