Nearly defunct CRA receives ¥584 million in state subsidies
While the CRA effectively disbanded, one lawmaker has remained so that it could receive subsidies to pay costs related to February's election.
On Tuesday, the internal affairs ministry disbursed the third tranche of state subsidies to political parties in Japan, with the near-defunct Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) receiving ¥584 million. Despite effectively ceasing operations since September, the CRA retained a House of Representatives member, So Watanabe, in order to qualify for the subsidies and fund expenses related to the February lower house election.
The subsidy amounts are calculated based on the number of Diet members as of January 1 and February 9, and are distributed in four installments throughout the year.
The CRA's receipt of the state funds has sparked controversy, as the party has virtually ceased activity. After most CRA lawmakers left the party, those originally affiliated with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) established the Democratic Reform Party. However, no subsidies were granted to this new opposition party. The Japanese Communist Party, which opposes the political subsidy system, also declined to apply for the state money.
In contrast, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party received ¥3.84 billion in subsidies this round, while its Japan Innovation Party ally was awarded ¥703 million. On the opposition side, the CRA's share was ¥779 million, followed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan at ¥678 million, the Democratic Party for the People at ¥497 million, Sanseito at ¥349 million, Komeito at ¥175 million, Inochi no To at ¥142 million, Team Mirai at ¥73 million, the Conservative Party of Japan at ¥57 million, and the Social Democratic Party at ¥142 million.
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