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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP in Iwate's new city doubles share of assembly seats

In the Oshu City Assembly election in Iwate Prefecture voted on March 19, the Japanese Communist Party won five seats, doubling its share of seats from 5.7 to 12.19 percent.

Oshu City was newly established through the merger of five municipalities. In the fierce battle due to the deep cuts in the assembly seats, two of the JCP candidates were elected with the most votes in their respective electoral districts.

The new city plans to set its own rate for the national health insurance premiums in three years. The residents are concerned that they will be required to pay a higher insurance premium than the one set by former Mizusawa City, which had imposed the highest premium rate among the five municipalities.

Revealing to residents that the former Koromogawa Village's health insurance reserve fund of 150 million yen was taken over by the new city, JCP candidate Sugawara Akira made clear his opposition to a higher rate and topped the list of elected candidates in the Koromogawa electoral district.

An increase in the mayor's salary was another major issue in the election. The mayor's monthly salary is planned to rise by more than 60,000 yen and his retirement allowance will reach 17 million yen. The JCP candidates insisted that the mayor's wage must be decreased and his retirement allowance be halved since the merger took place on account of the deteriorating financial situation.
- Akahata, March 21, 2006