ニュース 2009/01/04 President Ozawa at Year's First Interview: "A New Government to Protect the Lives and Livelihoods of the People" In his first interview this year on January 4, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa announced his determination for a dissolution of the Lower House and a general election to topple the LDP-Komeito government, and to establish "a new government to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people." During the interview he said that he recognized that economic and social conditions would get even tougher than last year's financial crisis. He also criticized the ruling parties, saying, "The current LDP-Komeito government does not have the skill to overcome this situation." He further stated, "We will establish a new government guided by [our party's key principle,] 'putting people's lives first.' I want to accomplish this goal and make this a year of significance." Regarding the timing of the dissolution of the House of Representatives, Ozawa stated, "Since before the financial crisis, most people have seen their incomes drop and have had greater burdens placed on them in the name of the Koizumi reforms. The financial crisis and the deterioration of the economy have added difficulties to this. I don't think the people will stand to be silent about this kind of government and administration. Looking towards the end of the fiscal year, the situation is expected to get tougher afterwards, so it is important for all the people to raise their voices and question the trustworthiness of our leaders in order to go beyond Prime Minister Aso's intention of merely maintaining power." Ozawa also predicted that the prime minister, who said, "dissolution before passing the 2009 budget and related bills is unthinkable," would be forced to change his strategy to stay in power. Ozawa lobbed further criticism at the LDP-Komeito government that has ignored the people for the purpose of maintaining power, saying, "The mission of government is to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people, and it is for this purpose that the people grant the government its power. If the government cannot do anything to carry out this mission, then there must be a change in government." In a related comment, President Ozawa pointed out, "Laissez-faire market principles have widened disparity and the economic downturn made it harder for the people. There is a common awareness of this by the people, whether they live in large cities or in the countryside." He also stated that his objective is to broaden support for the DPJ's ideas and policies by making straightforward appeals to gain a victory in the general election.