Put an end to old framework of LDP politics: JCP announces election policies
The Japanese Communist Party has published the "general election issues and JCP policies".
Announcing the document entitled, "Reject LDP Politics and Set to Remake Japan on the People-first Principle" at a news conference on October 8 in the Diet, Ichida Tadayoshi, JCP Secretariat head, said:
"The major issue we are raising for the coming general election is a choice between two paths: Are we going to allow the old framework of LDP politics to continue or get free from it? The issue also is about choosing an opposition party that can present to the public a way to get out of the old framework.
The "issues and policies" consists of three parts: (1) JCP Proposal for remaking Japan; (2) Stop two undemocratic policies; and (3) policies for immediate needs.
Remaking Japan
The JCP proposes "remaking Japan" focusing on two tasks: Democratic change in the Japanese economy and reform of policies in foreign relations and security.
- Economic policy: Two-stage approach on funds -- Explaining the JCP's two-phased approach in securing funds needed for a change in economic policy, Ichida said that the immediate policy is to direct national budget priorities to social services instead of wasteful public works projects. A change in national revenue will require large corporations to pay more in taxes according to their capacity.
Ichida said that the JCP is opposed to the use of the consumption tax (the most regressive tax system) on social services as a means of increasing national revenue.
-Foreign and security policies: Stop subservience to the United States -- Ichida explained that the JCP emphasizes that a fundamental change away from LDP politics requires Japan to put and end to the military alliance with the United States under the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
Stop two undemocratic policies
On the government's two major plans, a big increase in the consumption tax rate and an adverse constitutional change focusing on abolishing the war renouncing Article 9, Ichida said, "The Koizumi Cabinet is trying to steer public opinion into accepting these plans. It is important for us to make the next general election result a verdict opposing these plans."
Immediate key policies
The JCP proposes immediate key policies that include reforms in the pension system and other economic and social systems.
Ichida said, "Only the JCP demands that the government share in the financial burden for pension funds be immediately increased to 50 percent from the present 33 percent."
On the issue of money and politics, Ichida stressed that only the JCP can earnestly propose a ban on corporate donations to political parties or politicians.
On the election system, Ichida criticized the Democratic Party of Japan proposal to reduce the number of House of Representatives proportional representation seats by 80 as a way to prevent opinions from being expressed in politics with a view to artificially establishing a two-party system. He said, "The JCP will oppose such a scheme that undermines democracy." (end)