Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday defended his party's plan to distribute cash handouts as a quick way to help households struggling with rising prices, as he sought to deflect criticism from the opposition that it is splashing out money ahead of a national election.In a debate among party leaders before official campaigning begins on Thursday for the July 20 House of Councillors election, opposition forces questioned how the necessary funds could be secured to provide 20,000 yen ($140) per person, as they prioritize tax cuts in their campaign promises.The Liberal Democratic Party…READ FULL ARTICLE
