Japan Press Weekly

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2018 October 24 - 30 [POLITICS]

Shii criticizes PM Abe’s appeal for constitutional revision as outrageous interference in Diet steering

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on October 24 at a press conference in the Diet building said that Prime Minister Abe’s appeal to the Diet to start the debate on constitutional revision constitutes an outrageous interference in the legislative branch of government.

Shii made this remark in his comment on PM Abe’s policy speech to the 197th extraordinary Diet session which was convened on this day.

Explaining his reaction, Shii said, “When PM Abe expressed his eagerness to change the Constitution in his speech, I thought this is extremely dangerous.”

In the policy address, Abe said, “The important thing is that drafts for constitutional amendments should be submitted to the Commissions on the supreme law in both Diet chambers and should obtain commissions’ consent. This is the parliamentarians’ responsibility.”

Shii said that Abe effectively gave the command that the Diet begin the process of revising the Constitution, and criticized Abe for violating the principle of the separation of powers in a high-handed manner. He added, “It is unacceptable for Abe to propel the Diet into the procedure for constitutional revision.

Shii went on to say that PM Abe in his speech not only bypassed major issues, such as the “Moritomo” and “Kake” scandals, the controversial Japan-U.S. trade talks, and the Henoko base project, but also said nothing about the reason why the planned consumption tax hike to 10% is necessary.

Past related articles:
> Consumption tax hike to 10% will lead to catastrophe in Japanese economy: JCP Koike [October 16, 2018]
> Abe gov't refers to new trade talks with US as TAG, not FTA [October 12, 2018]
> Anti-base Okinawans achieve historic victory in Okinawa governor race: JCP Chair Shii [October 1, 2018]