Shii calls for new people-first politics in opposition to politics by 'two major parties'

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo says, "We will strive to create a new people-first politics in opposition to the ''two major parties setting a trend."

Shii stated this on an NHK political debate program "How to respond to voters' judgment?" aired on July 12 after the results of the previous day's House of Councilors election were announced.

The JCP chair said, "It's very regrettable that only four JCP candidates were elected," adding that although voters were practically obliged to choose the Liberal Democratic Party or the Democratic Party of Japan, 4.36 million people in the proportional representation section and 5.52 million people in prefectural constituencies voted for the JCP.

"Bearing this support deep in mind, we will continue to do our utmost," Shii said.

He went on to say, "In the election campaign, the JCP criticized the LDP and the DPJ for competing for undemocratic policies, including an adverse revision of the Constitution and a consumption tax increase. We cannot leave the country's destiny in the hands of these two parties."

Finally he said, "The people seek neither a consumption tax increase nor an adverse revision of the Constitution. We will push forward with grassroots movements to thwart these schemes in response to public opinion. " (end)