Japan Press Weekly

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2012 September 19 - 25 TOP3 [POLITICS]

Not the existing political parties but the ‘two major parties’ are to blame

Can we no longer rely on existing political parties? The answer is “Yes.” The one to blame is not the established parties but the “two major party system” consisting of the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party.

They worked in concert to railroad through an increase in the consumption tax in the latest Diet session in defiance of public opposition, and are now putting their energies in maneuvering for their party interests with an eye to the forthcoming general election. When it comes to securing revenue sources, the only thing they have in mind is increasing taxes to be imposed on the general public. Looking at their moves, people are intensifying their distrust in politics.

However, there is one political party that is very much different from these power-driven political parties. That is the Japanese Communist Party, the party proposing alternatives without relying on a rise in the consumption tax.

The JCP has specified a course of action to improve social security services and overcome the financial crisis at the same time by levying appropriate tax burdens in proportion to wealth and income and strengthening the household economy.

In regard to foreign affairs, while other parties are clinging to the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, the JCP calls for abrogation of this accord in order to fundamentally solve problems brought about by the continued existence of government-subsidized U.S. military bases in Japan. The party also engages in concrete action pressing both the Japanese and U.S. governments to cancel the plan to deploy the U.S. Osprey aircraft to Japan.

In territorial disputes, unlike the successive governments (LDP, Komei) and the present government (DPJ), the JCP proposes solutions through diplomatic negotiations based on historical facts and international law.

Some people may be placing expectations on the “Ishin-no-Kai” as a third political force led by Osaka City Mayor Hashimoto Toru who repeatedly criticizes the existing political parties.

However, the “Ishin-no-Kai” has taken in active Dietmembers of the LDP and the DPJ into itself and intends to cooperate with the Komei in national elections. Aiming to enter national politics, Hashimoto is strengthening ties with these parties.

The “Ishin-no-Kai” has absorbed the so-called Koizumi structural reform line and seeks the removal of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution.

The argument, “we can no longer rely on existing parties,” is a rhetorical ploy.