Party heavyweights blocked the move, but agreed that Aso would appear before LDP lawmakers on Tuesday at a meeting where he was expected to try to restore unity and deflect criticism.

• 自民党重量级人物阻止了此项提议，但一致同意麻生出席星期二自民党的会议，指望他能在此次会上重新团结自民党人，并转移批评视线。