Japan Press Weekly

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2016 June 1 - 7 [POLITICS]

Shii: Opposition parties’ joint proposal of no-confidence motion will lead to further cooperation

The Japanese Communist, Democratic, Social Democratic, and People’s Life parties on May 31 jointly put forward a no-confidence motion against the Abe Cabinet.

As reasons for the need for Abe’s resignation, the four opposition parties pointed out that the Abe government is trampling on constitutionalism and pacifism as shown in the forcible enactment of the unconstitutional war legislation; the failure of Abenomics has increased poverty and economic inequality; and Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has been employing high-handed political tactics without listening to people’s voices.

Later on the same day in a plenary session of the House of Representatives, the motion was turned down by the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties and some minor parties which support the ruling coalition.

At a press conference held after the plenary session, JCP Chair Shii Kazuo said that although the no-confidence motion was rejected, it was significant that the four opposition parties joined hands and proposed the motion against the Abe Cabinet.

Shii pointed out that the four opposition parties have agreed to censure the Abe Cabinet for the national security legislation, the failed economic policies, and Abe’s high-handed attitude. This agreement will lead to a further development of the opposition block’s joint struggle in elections and in Diet proceedings, he concluded.