JCP comments on election of Kan as DPJ leader

Following a period of inner party strife, the Democratic Party of Japan on December 10 elected Kan Naoto as its new leader. Kan named Okada Katsuya as DPJ secretary general.

The leadership change came as a result of confusion within the largest opposition party following the previous election of its leader. Hatoyama Yukio, who was elected to the post, soon resigned for having caused the confusion.

Asked by the press to comment on the DPJ leadership change, Ichida Tadayoshi, Japanese Communist Party Secretariat head, on the same day stated as follows:

The public is now keenly expecting opposition parties to establish a clear-cut policies that will overcome Liberal Democratic Party politics, which are now in a complete deadlock.

The JCP is interested to see what changes the new DPJ leadership under Kan will show to the people.

The JCP is ready to continue to cooperate with other opposition parties on any agreed policies and issues that will help block the government's undemocratic policies and help realize the urgent demands of the people. On points of disagreement, the JCP will engage in discussions with other opposition parties. (end)