Shii puts an emphasis on change in politics imposing hardships on people

Japan Press Weekly

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

Shii puts an emphasis on change in politics imposing hardships on people

On September 24, the Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers Group held its general meeting as the 170th Extra Ordinary Session of the Diet was about to open.

JCP Chair Shii said, “The JCP will confront the Liberal Democratic Party led by its new President Aso Taro and will do its utmost under the slogan calling for drastic reform of “two political ills”: pro-big business policy and subservience to the U.S.

Referring to Aso’s remark that “reform involves pain and it is necessary to prescribe a painkiller”, Shii emphasized that what the people need is not “painkillers” but major changes in policies to get rid of undue hardships.

Basic issues that need to be discussed in the Diet, Shii cited food safety, employment, the discriminatory insurance system for the elderly aged 75 and over, the Japanese economic policy, and the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces abroad in support of U.S. wars.

Regarding the employment issue, Shii stressed the need to revise labor laws to end illegal labor practices and to not allow business arrogance to continue unabated.

As for domestic economic policy, Shii called on the government to shift its emphasis from protecting the interests of big business to defending the household economy and to end subservience to the U.S. and break with casino capitalism.

Criticizing some ruling party politicians for seeking to get the House of Representatives dissolved without the necessary discussion on the government’s proposed supplementary budget, Shii said, “This high-handed attitude goes against democracy.”

Shii said, “At the end of this Diet session, we will definitely have a House of Representatives general election. We will do our utmost to take the initiative in discussing the issues and prove the importance of the ‘JCP presence’, so that the people can realize that an increase in JCP seats in the Diet will contribute to changing the nature of politics.” - Akahata, September 25, 2008