Governor Motohiko Saito’s Likely Re-Election Amid Resignation and Re-Election Controversy

On September 26, Governor Motohiko Saito of Hyogo Prefecture announced that he would not dissolve the assembly in response to the passing of a no-confidence motion and would officially lose his position on the 30th, preparing for a resignation and re-election.

If he chose to resign and was re-elected in the gubernatorial election, he would have had a term until the end of July next year. However, by resigning and being re-elected through this form of “loss of office,” he would be granted a new four-year term.

Former Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto appeared on Kantele’s “Shunkan LIVE Toretate!” on the 25th.

Even if he is reelected, he will continue to be at odds with the assembly.

“If Saito wants to be governor, he should dissolve the assembly instead of opting for a re-election.”

He stated.

“A resignation and re-election is the most inappropriate approach. Even if he were to hold a re-election and claim to have received public support, the composition of the assembly would remain unchanged.”

He emphasized that being re-elected in a completely hostile assembly, where all county assembly members voted in favor of the no-confidence motion, would be meaningless.

In the upcoming gubernatorial election, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, which previously endorsed Saito, are expected to support different candidates. The Communist Party also plans to endorse an independent physician.