Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly member Matsuo said on August 3 that he intended to resign as chairman of the assembly’s Liberal Democratic Party caucus. Matsuo held a political fundraising party at a Kitakyushu hotel on July 28, about 90 minutes after the Kumamoto earthquake struck. Governor Hattori criticized the decision as inappropriate, and Matsuo later drew criticism after saying the event had been worthwhile. He apologized and said his remarks had been disrespectful to disaster victims and relief workers. The caucus is expected to formally approve his resignation on August 7. Matsuo said he would remain an assembly member, citing his responsibility to address separate allegations involving payments connected to speaker and deputy speaker posts and questions about overseas activity expenses. Hattori urged him to cooperate with ongoing inquiries. Source: NHK News / TNC News
Photo: TNC News
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