In Japan, Shinzo Abe is fired with controversy

In Japan, Shinzo Abe is fired with controversy

In turn, thousands of Japanese and foreign dignitaries paid tribute to the murdered Shinzo Abe, amid long queues of people who wanted to offer flowers and prayers.

Abe’s ashes, moved by his wife Akie in a funeral procession from his home in the Japanese capital, they arrived at the Tokyo Budokanto the sound of a 19-gun salute in honor of the late leader.

In his eulogy, the current Prime Minister fumio kishida He described Abe as “a person with courage” and listed his political achievements, including his efforts to strengthen Japan’s diplomatic ties.

”I feel excruciating pain”Kishida said in front of a huge photograph of Abe hung above a large floral structure where his ashes, medals and the Japanese flag were displayed.

Abel’s work at the head of the third world economy

Abe was Japan’s longest-serving ruler and one of the country’s most recognizable figures, remembered for cultivating international alliances and his so-called economic strategy. “Abenomics”.

He resigned in 2020 due to ill health, but continued as a key political figure and was campaigning for his ruling party when he was shot by a man on July 8.

The shooting shocked the country, with low levels of violent crime, and prompted international condemnation.

But the decision to organize a state funeral for him, the second post-war for a former prime minister, drew growing opposition, with about 60% of Japanese against it, according to recent polls.

The ceremony at the Budokan brought together important world leaders such as US Vice President Kamala Harris and the Prime Ministers of India, Narendra Modi, and Australia, Anthony Albanese.

Outside the compound, thousands of people formed long queues to leave flowers, usually white, in front of a portrait of Abe and say a prayer in two tents that opened an hour early.

Toru Sato, 71, waited leaning on his cane. “I only knew Abe-san from television. He worked so hard. His death was so tragic. I feel very sorry for him,” he said.

Koji Takamori came from the northern region of Hokkaido with his nine-year-old son. “I wanted to thank him, he has done a lot for Japan,” said the 46-year-old.

“Honestly, I also wanted to come because there’s been so much opposition, it’s almost like I’m here to oppose those who oppose” the funeral, he added.

Although in smaller numbers, the detractors were also seen in the area and later planned to demonstrate in front of Parliament.

Discontent over the funeral

The man arrested for killing Abe accused him of having ties to the unification churchwith which he was upset about the large donations his mother made to the sect.

The murder prompted renewed scrutiny of the church and its fundraising methods, and uncomfortable questions for Japan’s political class. The ruling party has admitted that half of its legislators have ties to the sect.

Prime Minister Kishida has pledged that his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will sever ties with the church, but the scandal has added to the anger over the state funeral.

Thousands protested the ceremony and one man set himself on fire near the prime minister’s office, leaving his objection to the event in writing.

Some opposition lawmakers boycotted the funeral.

The controversy has several reasons. Some accuse Kishida of unilaterally approving it without consulting Parliament and others protest the cost of almost 12 million dollars.

Also weighing is the polarizing legacy of Abe’s administration, marked by accusations of cronyism and rejection of his nationalism and his plans to reform the pacifist constitution.

The Kishida government hoped that the solemnity of the event, with some 4,300 participants, including 700 foreign guests, would quell the controversy.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan did not attend as they are neutral national figures, but Crown Prince Akishino and his wife left wreaths at the end of the 90-minute service.

Source: Ambito

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