JCP protests dam advocates' move to propose non-confidence motion in Nagano Governor

As the conservative groups in the Nagano Prefectural Assembly were poised to submit a motion of no confidence against Governor Tanaka in protest against what they call an "undemocratic" decision to stop the construction of two dams, the Japanese Communist Party Prefectural Assembly Members Group on July 3 issued a statement criticizing the non-confidence threat as outrageous.

The JCP said submitting a non-confidence motion in Governor Tanaka simply because of differences over dam construction is unjustifiable. He was elected by the prefectural people and is living up to his election promises, the statement said.

Since Governor Tanaka announced that he would cancel the dam construction on June 25, his speeches at the prefectural assembly have been frequently disturbed by heckling and angry hoots by members in favor of dams, which the assembly chair hasn't even attempted to stop.

Pointing out that such a way of steering the assembly tramples on democracy, the JCP called for a democratic and constructive discussion to meet the needs of residents.

The JCP has received letters from more than 550 people expressing protest against the scheme to propose a non-confidence motion.

Citizens organizations in opposition to the dams construction jointly issued a statement on July 3, blaming the assembly members who are going to propose the non-confidence motion for acting against the people's wishes. They supported Governor Tanaka's election promise to review public works projects. (end)