ニュース 2016/03/18 DPJ Headquarters for Constructing a Society Based on Mutual Coexistence approves eleven proposals On March 18, a meeting of the DPJ Headquarters for Constructing a Society Based on Mutual Coexistence was held inside the Diet. A draft containing the “DPJ’s Eleven Proposals Toward the Creation of a Society Based on Mutual Coexistence” was approved without revisions. The Chair of the Headquarters, DPJ President Katsuya Okada, stated, “We have discussed this matter for around a year, and listened to the opinions of many experts before creating this final draft. These proposals are certain to become one of the main pillars of the manifesto we are in the process of drafting in the run-up to the House of Councillors election. As we witness what is described as the collapse of Abenomics, I would like us to explain to the public that these proposals are at the center of the DPJ’s policies.” Headquarters Vice Chair Akira Nagatsuma said that the final draft “included concrete ideas obtained when we held Forums for a Society Based on Mutual Coexistence nationwide, and were profoundly moved by our encounters with many individuals dealing with the issue of wealth disparities on the ground.” He explained that the draft consisted on the following eleven proposals toward the creation of a society based on mutual coexistence and were also the party’s mid to long term economic policies. 1. Greatly enhancing child-rearing allowance provisions. 2. Establishing non-repayable scholarships 3. Introducing entrance regulations for fixed-term employment 4. Raising the minimum wage 5. Improving pay and conditions for care and childcare workers 6. Increasing social insurance coverage 7. Legislating “equal pay for equal work” 8. Realizing a system that allows married couples to choose to have different surnames 9. Providing assistance for those with small pensions 10. Strengthening working hours regulations and introducing regulations governing intervals between working days 11. Increasing financial income taxation These proposals were also formerly approved by the DPJ’s Next Cabinet on March 22.