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Opinions are definitely divided over postal privatization
Akahata editorial

Commenting on the general election results at a news conference, Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro said, "People listened to me attentively when I said I wanted to know if they can forgo postal privatization, and they gave the answer."

Two-thirds of the House of Representatives seats will be occupied by the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties, both of which that support the postal privatization bills. Koizumi asserts that this is proof that an overwhelming majority of the public are in favor of the postal bills.

However, the votes cast for the LDP and Komei parties account for 51.5 percent in proportional representation constituencies and 49.2 percent in single-seat constituencies. Clearly, the electorate was not speaking in unison regarding the postal privatization scheme.

Prime minister refused to tell the truth

In the election campaign, the prime minister from beginning to end refused to divulge the truth behind the bills. Although he was fully aware that Japan Post is run on a self-supporting basis without using tax money, the prime minister continued to publicly argue that postal privatization will help save tax money. Japan Post is obligated to pay to the national treasury 50 percent of its profits every fourth year. The prime minister falsely argued that the government cannot collect taxes from the public corporation Japan Post even if it earns profits, but will be able to do so after privatization to increase tax revenue.

He may boast of receiving support from nearly 50 percent of the voters, but their support is not based on accurate information.

We must not lose sight of public opinion by paying too much attention to the large number of the Lower House seats won by the LDP and Komei. It is wrong to reject considering objections by saying that the matter has been settled.

In the special Diet session following the general election, the JCP will endeavor to force thorough discussions of the postal privatization bills. The JCP is calling on other opposition parties to put up a parliamentary joint struggle in opposition to the bills.

Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "We have carried out various reforms while pursuing postal privatization. In line with the cabinet's basic policies and based on the results achieved in the past four years, we will do our utmost to carry out reforms."

Koizumi speaks as if the majority of voters gave full support to "Koizumi reform schemes."

However, Koizumi ran a campaign exclusively on the postal privatization issue. He kept his mouth shut on the early disposal of bad loans, a series of adverse "reform" of social welfare programs, and the increasing numbers of contingency workers.

After the election, some voters are saying, "I voted for the LDP, but I'm concerned about constitutional revision and a tax increase on salaried workers." Some media warn that the LDP-Koizumi's election victory does not mean voters gave a blank check to the LDP.

Specifically, the prime minister spread lies concerning the postal service privatization scheme, which he made the only issue in the election, sidestepping other issues, including consumption tax and income tax increases and adverse amendments to Article 9 of the Constitution, issues that ought to have been major issues in the election.

These issues will sooner or later be discussed in the Diet.

The LDP is calling for a tax reform that includes a sharp increase in the consumption tax rate from fiscal 2007 and is planning to draft a constitutional amendment by the end of November.

JCP as a true opposition party

The JCP will make every effort to get the postal privatization bills scrapped, foil plans for major tax increases and implementing a constitutional amendment, and defend people's living standards and peace in Japan. This is what the JCP is expected to do as a true opposition party. -- Akahata, September 14, 2005