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2010/07/12
Kan calls on DPJ to make a fresh start
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In the early hours of July 12, once the majority of the election results had become clear, DPJ President, Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a press conference at the DPJ voting centre in a Tokyo hotel. Kan said, “I would like us to work hard to make a fresh start.” With regard to the election results, he expressed his determination to continue running the government, saying, “I take [the results] very seriously, and would like to proceed with running the government in a responsible manner.”
At the start of the press conference, Kan stated, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who gave their backing and support to the DPJ.” He went on to express his regret, saying that the DPJ “had ended up far short [the number of seats he had targeted] and I feel sorry about that.”
On the reason for the party’s disappointing showing, Kan said, “My reference to the consumption tax seemed to be received [by the electorate] as unexpected. I think prior explanation was lacking,” accepting that he had not explained the issue sufficiently to voters. However, regarding the possibility of raising the consumption tax itself, he expressed the opinion that there was a certain amount of understanding for the need to tackle issues relating to public finances and the tax system, stating, “I believe that the Japanese people have called for a meticulous approach in which a thorough and careful debate takes place.”
Furthermore, in response to a reporter’s question regarding the possibility of non-partisan discussions on reform of the tax system, Kan said, “I would definitely like to call for the creation of a forum for such discussions.”
With regard to the administration of Diet affairs, Kan said he would undertake these in a conscientious manner, stressing, “I would like to proceed with affairs while obtaining the understanding of other parties as much as is possible.”
Asked whether any changes would be made in the line-up of the party executive, Kan expressed his intention to have Secretary General Edano and those under him continue in their posts, stating, “I would like them all to continue to carry out their roles.”
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