may_day3

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

JCP Chair Shii at May Day rally calls for social solidarity in struggle to defend living standards and peace

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo in a speech at the 77th May Day Central Rally in Tokyo called for "social solidarity" to develop a unified struggle in defense of living standards and peace, and to pave the way for changing politics.

Pointing out that Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's "the big fish eats the small" policy promoted in the name of "structural reform" has increased social disparity reflected in the poverty rate, Shii said, "Business circles and government policy must be held responsible for the disruption of work with human dignity." He said, "We must not allow their policy of using 'throwaway workers' to prevail" and called for a "struggle to clear workplaces of all forms of lawlessness and establish rules for work with human dignity."

Shii said, "The victories of candidates opposing the U.S. military realignment plan in the Okinawa and Iwakuni mayoral elections were historic in that they deal a heavy blow to the government's effort to force local governments and residents to accept the strengthening of the the functions of U.S. bases just as directed by the United States." He emphasized that these victories represent the advance being registered by local governments and residents in their united struggles throughout the country against the imposition of the military realignment plans.

Shii said, "Let us use the power of people's solidarity in defense of peace and democracy to foil the moves to put the clock back by destroying the Constitution and the Fundamental Law of Education."
- Akahata, May 2, 2006