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2014/09/16
New members of DPJ Standing Officers Council give joint press conference, vow to accelerate the party’s revitalization
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On September 16, new members of DPJ Standing Officers Council gave joint press conference.
At the beginning of the press conference, DPJ President Banri Kaieda referred to “the new lineup as ‘a lineup for accelerating revitalization’” and went on to say that he will “make every effort to revitalize the livelihoods of the people and the DPJ.”
In response to questions from reporters, Kaieda responded that Secretary General Yukio Edano “was appointed in part to pass the baton on to the next generation,” that Kaieda intends to proactively appoint women to other positions of the DPJ Standing Officers Council, that the lineup is ready to work collectively and take action immediately, and that the policies compiled mainly by the Council on Protecting Lives and Livelihoods would be steadily promoted to address the declining population.
Edano, regarding his appointment, expressed the view that the Secretary General has two roles: to unite the party; and to make the party’s views, image, and actions clear to the people. With regard to the basic stance of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Edano noted, “Prime Minister Abe seems to be under the impression that the Japanese economy will improve if the successful experience of the high economic growth period is repeated,” and added, “Economic measures need to take into account another perspective, the question of how to overcome Japan’s rapidly declining population.” Regarding coalitions with other opposition parties, Edano stated, “We can form a united front at the Diet and work together to reduce the number of seats held by the ruling parties.”
Acting President Katsuya Okada stated, “I will work hard to support President Kaieda by doing what I need to do for the national elections. I will field attractive candidates on the assumption that the next House of Representatives elections are held in less than a year. In coordination with other opposition parties, I will also work to create circumstances that will allow the DPJ to fully stand up against the Liberal Democratic Party and the Abe government in the next general elections.”
Chair of the Policy Research Committee Tetsuro Fukuyama described his ambitions, saying, “I will sincerely fulfill my role, which is to communicate the DPJ’s policies to the people in an easy-to-understand manner. The DPJ has crafted policies based on the idea of ‘giving all people a sense of belonging and opportunities.’ I am resolved to work to revitalize Japan by tackling the problems posed by our unequal society, based on the keywords, ‘new public commons’ and ‘social inclusion.’ At the same time, the international security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe. Drawing on our experience as a ruling party, we will craft security policies that are realistic and will be satisfactory to the people. Our party is sufficiently united. I will make utmost efforts to accelerate the revitalization of the power of the DPJ, pooling together the patriotic feelings and passions of the respective members.”
Chair of the Diet Affairs Committee Tatsuo Kawabata pledged, “I will work to ensure that the policies and concepts that the DPJ deliberated are fully understood by the people. Simultaneously, I will promote a Diet that closely monitors and keeps in check the Abe Cabinet’s moves to destroy the livelihoods of the people and create an uncertain society in which disparities further widen and peace is threatened.” Kawabata said, “The Diet, which is the highest governing body provided for in the Constitution and is given a mandate through national elections, must not be trampled on by the tyranny of the majority. I will work to ensure that the Diet functions properly.”
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