Kishida says he's determined to break Japan's ruling party from its practice of money politics

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed Tuesday he was determined to make a clear break from money politics as he renewed an apology for the latest major corruption scandal in the governing party, which has eclipsed his key policies such as strengthening the military and Japan's alliance with the United States.

His policy speech had been due Friday when the new parliamentary session opened, but Kishida instead had to start the session with an apology Monday.

Kishida said he must admit that factions in the Liberal Democratic Party seemed to work for money and favors rather than policy, and he promised to lead reforms. “I humbly regret, and made a determination to have policy groups make a complete break from money and personnel affairs,” he said.

Kishida gave no further explanation about the scandal or how the money was spent. Opposition lawmakers have pressed for him to disclose details.