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On the afternoon of June 4 at the party headquarters of the DPJ, the International Department (headed by Director-General Issei Tajima) held the 10th session of Café Democrats, a regular briefing and exchange forum organized for diplomats stationed in Japan. The briefing focused on the future state of the Diet, with a keynote address from Deputy Chair of the Diet Affairs Committee and former Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeaki Matsumoto, followed by a question and answer session. (the current Diet session scheduled to end June 21)
At the start of the meeting, Matsumoto expressed his appreciation for the warm support received from around the world in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. He presented on the Diet system in Japan, explaining its various characteristics, such as the fact that the Houses of Representatives and House of Councillors possess almost equal mandates, and that national elections are held frequently. He remarked on the difficulties of managing the Diet, saying, “Although the DPJ has been trying to push forward a reform of the rules for Diet management in a constructive manner ever since the change in government, the many parties have not reached a consensus.” In addition, he raised the issue of the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems currently under deliberation in the Diet, stating, “The current situation is not one in which we can speed this up, but we are persistent with our efforts.”
In addition to the above, touching upon the political significance of the censure motion against Cabinet members submitted to the House of Councillors some time ago and deliberations on legislation for the implementation of policies being far behind schedule, Matsumoto indicated his views on the Diet schedule moving forward and the reshuffling of the Cabinet that took place that same day.
After Matsumoto’s keynote address, participating members from the embassies of various countries asked questions on such topics as the reshuffling of the Cabinet, the possibility of there being an extension of the Diet session, and the possibility of the Diet being dissolved. Tajima and Vice Directors-General Motohiro Oono and Seiichiro Dokyu of the International Department also attended the briefing.
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