福岡県議会の海外視察先に複数の「獣医師会関係」　費用の大半は福岡県が公費で負担　獣医師会会長を務める蔵内議長の”公私混同”疑念拭えず

Questions have been raised regarding the cost of a trip to China attended by Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Chairman Kurauchi, who also serves as the president of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association. While several locations related to the Japan Veterinary Medical Association were included in the inspection, it has been revealed that the majority of Chairman Kurauchi's travel expenses were paid from public funds. Overseas Inspection in August 2025: Decision Made by "Chairman's Authority" Without Consultation with the Assembly The issue at hand concerns a trip to China in August 2025, attended by Chairman Isao Kurauchi and three other prefectural assembly members, along with two prefectural officials. According to the assembly secretariat, the trip was initiated approximately two months prior to the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association conference, after which Chairman Kurauchi, who is also the president of the World Veterinary Medical Association, decided to participate by "Chairman's Authority." Multiple "Veterinary Medical Association-Related" Locations Included in the Inspection, But the Majority of Expenses Were Covered by the Prefecture Several locations related to the Japan Veterinary Medical Association were included in the inspection, and it was stated that "the portion of Chairman Kurauchi's expenses related to activities carried out on the business of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association will be covered by the Japan Veterinary Medical Association." However, of the approximately 380,000 yen in travel expenses incurred by Chairman Kurauchi, the Veterinary Medical Association only covered the two days' accommodation costs; the majority of the expenses were paid from public funds. Chairman Kurauchi responded to questions from the press: Chairman Kurauchi responded to questions from the press: Q: The majority of the expenses came from public funds. What is the rationale behind this apportionment? Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Chairman Isao Kurauchi "We have to think about it. We are having them scrutinize what the problem is, what would be beneficial for Fukuoka Prefecture, and what criteria would be appropriate." Fukuoka Prefecture: Expenses of Overseas Inspections Not Disclosed While the prefectural assembly has published reports on overseas inspections conducted since August 2024, the expenses have still not been disclosed, raising questions about the transparency of how public funds are used. Fukuoka Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party Holds Press Conference Regarding this issue, the Fukuoka Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party held a press conference on the morning of the 26th. Critics are calling it "an overseas inspection by Mr. Kurauchi, for Mr. Kurauchi," and that "Chairman Kurauchi is suspected of using overseas inspections for his own personal gain," demanding an explanation and apology to the citizens of the prefecture. For more details, see NEWS DIG! ↓ https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/...