Japan Press Weekly

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2015 September 16 - 29 TOP3 [POLITICS]

JCP holds series of talks with opposition parties over a national coalition gov’t to repeal war legislation

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo recently held a series of talks with the Democratic, Social Democratic, and People’s Life parties separately on its proposal for establishing a “national coalition government to repeal the war legislation”. They confirmed that they will continue negotiating over the JCP proposal.

In the talks with DPJ President Okada Katsuya held on September 25 at the Diet building, Shii explained about the JCP proposal calling for: the further development of movements to revoke the war legislation and overthrow the Abe government; the creation of a “national coalition government” in collaboration with parties, organizations, and individuals sharing the common goal of nullifying the war legislation; and cooperation in national elections among opposition parties which agree to form a “national coalition government to repeal the war legislation”.

Shii said, “We thought we need to listen to the earnest voices raised among the general public. In addition, when thinking about the current critical situation where the very basis of the Japanese Constitution - constitutionalism, pacifism, and democracy - will be impaired, it is essential for us to take a bold step toward overcoming such a situation. This is why we decided to announce this initiative.”

After a frank discussion on the JCP proposal, the two leaders agreed that they will continue holding talks on this issue.

Other participants in the talks included JCP Secretariat Head Yamashita Yoshiki, JCP Diet Commission Chair Kokuta Keiji, DPJ Secretary General Edano Yukio, and DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chair Takaki Yoshiaki.

Asked by reporters about the talks, Shii said, “I’m satisfied overall with the first talks. The JCP will convey its views to the DPJ in a sincere manner with the hope of making steady progress.”

Three days after the JCP-DPJ talks, Shii met with SDP head Yoshida Tadatomo and PLP leader Ozawa Ichiro individually in the Diet building.

Yoshida expressed his support for what the JCP proposal seeks and agreed with Shii to continue with discussions on the proposal.

Ozawa said, “I really appreciate the JCP proposal. I’d like to work hard to achieve its aim.”

Past related article:
> JCP proposes establishing a national coalition gov’t to repeal war legislation [September 20, 2015]