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On the morning of June 21, DPJ Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi joined the Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Secretary-General of New Komeito in a meeting in the Diet building. The three secretaries-general officially approved the consensus document, which was finalized on June 15 after working-level discussions were held among the three parties, and also resolved to work in good faith towards the realization of the contents of the document.
During the meeting, the LDP and New Komeito pointed out, “The DPJ has to keep an official promise among the DPJ, the LDP, and New Komeito, and execute the voting for the legislation in the House of Representatives by June 21”. The DPJ side responded, “Although the voting date will come a few days late of the initial target day, we made every possible effort with regards to this issue. We also need to consider the other six opposition parties that are requesting to secure time sufficient enough for deliberation on the legislation. Regardless of the situation, we are continuing to work hard towards deciding on the voting date by June 22.” DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chair Koriki Jojima, who had also attended the meeting, explained the discussions that took place and the main points of the confirmation note to the press.
In addition to confirming that they will work in good faith towards the realization of the contents of the consensus document, the DPJ, the LDP, and New Komeito also confirmed the following:
1. In accordance with the consensus document, a proposal for the promotion of the reform of the social security system and a proposal for authorized childcare facilities (“nintei-kodomo-en”) were submitted by the three parties as pieces of legislation sponsored by lawmakers.
2. Six additional pieces of legislation relevant to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems, which do not include a proposal for integrated kindergarten and childcare facilities (“sogo-kodomo-en”), will be discussed and amended by lawmakers in accordance with the consensus document.
3. In order for the eight pieces of legislation mentioned above, which do not include a proposal for integrated kindergarten and childcare facilities (“sogo-kodomo-en”), to be enacted during the current Diet sessions, there will be a vote held in the House of Representatives at the earliest possible occasion.
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