Governor Saito’s Arrogant Behavior and New Issues Exposed by Staff Survey

Prefectural Assembly Member Maruo Maki, who conducted a separate survey of employees prior to the current investigation, stated:

 

“From the survey results, I got the impression that power harassment might have been a routine occurrence. The fact that a significant number of employees have offered to cooperate with the committee, even with the possibility of being summoned as witnesses, reflects their sense of crisis, distrust of the governor, sympathy for the deceased A, and strong desire to improve the administration.” 

Some of the results from this survey are expected to become points of contention during the governor’s witness testimony scheduled for the 30th. In September, investigations will also continue regarding the allegations mentioned in the complaint, including gift items, victory parades, and allegations of whistleblowing. The committee member mentioned earlier reveals, “There are other significant issues that should also be pursued with the governor.”

“There are other serious issues that the governor should be held accountable for. For instance, the actions of the personnel authorities who seized A’s computer and pressured employees connected to A to show their smartphones should be scrutinized for their disregard for communication privacy. Employees who attended A’s farewell party reported being asked to disclose their personal smartphones by the personnel authorities, with some feeling compelled to comply. Such coercive and high-handed behavior, ignoring privacy protection, would understandably make employees feel that refusing cooperation could lead to personnel disadvantages. Who would want to work in such an environment?”

As new power harassment allegations continue to emerge against Governor Saito, he has been evasive in response to numerous questions about power harassment at press conferences. However, he cannot afford to be vague in the testimony starting August 30.

The significance of the employees’ detailed survey responses is therefore substantial.