The task now is to put an end to LDP-Komei government and establish people-first principle

Japan Press Weekly

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

The task now is to put an end to LDP-Komei government and establish people-first principle

On August 17, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo took part in a six-party pre-election debate sponsored by the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

Participants included Liberal Democratic Party President Aso Taro (Prime Minister), Democratic Party President Hatoyama Yukio, Komei Party leader Ota Akihiro, Social Democratic Party Fukushima Mizuho, and People's New Party representative Watanuki Tamisuke.

The participants first made brief opening statements to present the audience with the main points of their election policy platforms.

Shii expressed his determination to put an end to the LDP-Komei administration, saying that the JCP strives to change government policy to one of giving priority to defending the interests of ordinary people by building an economy governed by rules to defend people's livelihoods and their basic right to live and by implementing an independent diplomacy for peace guided by Article 9 of the Constitution.

During the debate, Shii said that voters are eager to know what a new government after the LDP-Komei coalition government can do to protect people's livelihoods, and stressed that it is essential to end pro-business policies that have been the basis of the LDP-Komei government.

Then, Shii said to Hatoyama, "Does the DPJ intend to reject the business circles' influence on government policies?"

Hatoyama said, "I will not bar the business circles from expressing their opinion."

Shii said, "The DPJ in its election policy platform says it is in favor of the promotion of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the United States, which will cause devastating damage to Japanese agriculture. This contradicts the DPJ's promise that agricultural development should not be hampered."

Citing specific U.S. government demands regarding the FTA, Shii said, "There can be no free trade negotiations that will exclude agriculture, in particular rice. Japan should not enter into FTA negotiations with the United States."

During the question-and-answer session with reporters following the debate between party leaders, Shii was asked by a reporter about the JCP's raison d'etre at a time when the political current is moving toward establishing a two-party system.

Shii said, "Although the DPJ-led cabinet will be formed after the election, the new government will be unable to move away from the present political framework, which is pro-business on domestic issues and pro- military alliance with the United States on foreign affairs. While cooperating with a new government in promoting better policies, the JCP will stand firm against any policies that are not in the public interest. The JCP will be able to play such a role if it increases its seats in the Diet. This makes the significance of our existence clearer than ever."

- Akahata, August 18, 2009