 |
2016/03/03
Okada stresses, “opposition parties must join together to confront Abe administration”
|
On March 3, a meeting of DPJ party members was held at party headquarters and discussions took place regarding the merger with the Japan Innovation Party.
In his opening address, DPJ President Katsuya Okada said of the merger: “I myself had various thoughts regarding this, but the House of Councillors election takes place in July. The opposition parties must join together to confront the Abe administration, as it pushes on with actions that ignore the constitution and economic policies that totally disregard the livelihoods of our nation’s citizens. Our philosophy is particularly close to that of the JIP, and I judged that it was necessary for our two parties to become one. We must make sure the merger succeeds in order to deliver results in July’s House of Councillors election.”
A variety of opinions were raised by the attending Diet members, including: “In my constituency there are voices being raised asking why the party name is to be changed and why we have to go ahead with the merger.” “You need to provide an opportunity for properly explaining matters to the party members, supporters and local assembly members who have worked so hard to support the party in the regions.” “I believe that this was a good decision made in order to answer the expectations of the Japanese people and overthrow the Abe administration. I would like us to think about extending this into a broader merging of parties in order to broaden support among the people.”
In response to these opinions Okada expressed his appreciation, saying, “I take each and every one [of your opinions] very seriously,” and added, “I myself have a deep affection for the DPJ and like the party name, but the role of the DPJ and of I myself [as leader] is to ensure that we fight the House of Councillors election on an equal footing with the LDP. That is why I have made this decision.”
|
|
|
 |
|
