18,000 people rally for political change and no major tax increase
About 18,000 workers and citizens attended a rally on October 5 at a park in Tokyo to express their resolve to stop the government plans for further adverse revision in the pension system and a major consumption tax rate increase.
The rally was organized by a committee comprised of the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) and other trade union organizations.
The participants called for a political change through the coming general election of the House of Representatives.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Zenroren President Kumagai Kanemichi called for a rejection of the government that shifts heavier burdens onto the people and follows U.S. orders to send troops to Iraq.
Japanese Communist Party Lower House member Yamaguchi Tomio gave a speech in solidarity. He said that the major issue in the general election is Japan's future course regarding people's livelihoods and the war-renouncing Constitution.
A participant in the rally, a 33-year old working for a national health insurance union for construction workers, said, "There are many bankruptcies and wage payment defaults. The LDP government is simply a failure."
After the rally, participants marched in demonstration on three routes, receiving applause and cheers from passers-by. (end)
