Japan will spend about 1.65 billion yen ($12 million at current rates) on the planned state funeral for former prime minister Shinzo Abe, according to the new estimate released on Tuesday. Friday (6), which includes security and reception costs.
In late August, the government passed a more modest budget of 250 million yen for the funeral, but later faced criticism for what was deemed an unrealistic figure that excluded large expenditures on security and VIP accommodation.
About 6,000 guests, including foreign dignitaries, are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be held on September 27 at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan hall. Abe was shot dead during an election rally in July.
Opposition to a taxpayer-funded service for Abe, Japan’s longest-serving but deeply divisive prime minister, persisted, exacerbated by revelations of his and other ruling party members’ ties to the controversial Unification Church. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s approval ratings plummeted in tandem.
Abe’s alleged killer told prosecutors he held a grudge against the religious organization, known for its mass weddings and aggressive fundraising tactics, and believed Abe had connections to the group, local media reported.
A Yomiuri newspaper poll earlier this month showed that 56% of respondents are opposed to the state funeral, compared with 38% in favor.
Source: CNN Brasil
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