Japan Press Weekly

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2010 October 6 - 12 [POLITICS]

PM Kan and Komei Party cast knowing glances at each other

Kan at the House of Councilors plenary session on October 8 said, “The government approved the economic policy by accepting proposals from other parties, including the Komei.” This remark was made in his reply to Komei Party Chief Representative Yamaguchi Natsuo’s question regarding Kan’s policy speech.

As a proposal for the ruling Democratic Party of Japan seeking to hold a multiparty meeting in regard to a consumption tax hike, Komei Party Secretary General Inoue Yoshihisa at the October 7 House of Representatives plenary session said, “A council of the ruling and opposition parties should be established to discuss social welfare programs.”

Kan replied, “We and Komei share the same view in many fields. I want the party to advise us on how to proceed to a discussion involving other parties.”

Kan’ s groveling attitude to the Komei shows his intention to win the Komei Party to his side to pave the way for a smooth Diet management under the situation in which the ruling bloc controls the House of Representatives but lacks a majority in the House of Councilors.

Meanwhile, Komei leader Yamaguchi did not deny the possibility of collaborating with the DPJ when he said, “Our party hasn’t decided whether to be on the ruling party’s side or not,” in answer to reporters asking his impression about Kan’s policy speech.
- Akahata, October 9 and 10, 2010