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

2,000 rally against adverse revisions of public services

On April 14, about 2,000 people participated in various actions in Tokyo, including a sit-in in front of the Diet building, a rally, and a demonstration, in order to block adverse bills affecting medical services and administrative reform.

At the rally, National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) President Kumagai Kanemichi stated on behalf of organizers, "Let us increase our movement to bring about 'a new Japan' where people can live in peace with hope for their future."

A participant pointed out that the very victims of the "smaller government" scheme are municipalities and citizens that use public services. Another said that "patriotism" should not be brought into the Fundamental Law of Education because education provides the basis of human development.

Japanese Communist Party House of Councilors member Inoue Satoshi spoke in solidarity.

As Zenroren's one-month nationwide "caravan" campaign against Koizumi's "structural reform" came to an end, the outcome of the campaign was reported at the rally. In the campaign, union "caravans" traveled to every prefecture and met representatives of 140 municipalities. They also staged demonstrations in a number of places calling on the public to oppose cuts in public services.
- Akahata, April 15, 2006