February 5, 2021

The Civil Alliance on February 4 visited the Japanese Communist Party anteroom in the Diet building and made representations, requesting that the JCP work together with other opposition parties in the upcoming general election to realize a change in government.

The civic organization called on opposition parties including the JCP to: work to improve medical policies in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 infections; work to improve policies to protect people's lives, livelihoods, and jobs during the pandemic; make clear their determination to remove the present ruling coalition in the general election and present a vision of a progressive coalition government; build electoral cooperation in the election campaign; and share common policies in the upcoming election campaign.

JCP Secretariat Head Koike Akira responding to their request said, "We totally agree with you."

Koike pointed out that the Suga government has been incompetent in combating COVID-19, and that opposition parties in unison have successfully expanded support for people in need. He said, "Our party will make a commitment to drive the Suga government into a corner and achieve a change in the government in the upcoming general election. An important key to accomplish this will be whether we opposition parties can reach an agreement on forming a coalition government."

Koike also pointed to the importance of three by-elections slated for April in Hokkaido, Nagano, and Hiroshima, adding, "The JCP would like to field a united opposition candidate in all three electoral districts. Based on your 15-item request, our party will make efforts to forge a policy agreement with other opposition parties in cooperation with you."

Past related article:
> Civil Alliance hands its 15-item request to united opposition parties [September 26, 2020]