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On July 12, the DPJ held a joint plenary meeting of party members of both Houses at the Parliamentary Museum in Nagatacho, where it was confirmed that the party would go forward with united efforts.
DPJ President Prime Minister Noda stated the following in his address to attendees: “On June 26 the legislation relating to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems was passed in the plenary session of the House of Representatives, after which the DPJ has been in a state of internal confusion. We are facing a serious situation in which many members have left the party. As President of the DPJ I would like to offer my deepest apologies for this situation and also feel a great weight of responsibility for what has happened.” Noda also noted, “This situation has brought to light a number of challenges that the party must face and work to reform;” pointing to the need for the DPJ to make progress with reforms, such as the ways and means of decision making, by utilising the knowledge and experience within the party and acquitting its responsibilities as the ruling party.
In addition, Noda made a point concerning a response he had given earlier in the day in the intensive deliberations in the Committee on Budget of the House of Representatives. Evening editions of the newspapers had phrased the statement made by the Prime Minister in misleading terms, reporting that the “Prime Minister had stated that the consumption tax increase would be incorporated into the manifesto for the next election of the House of Representatives, and that any party members opposing this inclusion would not be endorsed by the party.” In response to these press reports Noda stated: “My intention was to respond in accordance with manifesto principles, but the result has been the creation of misunderstanding.” He provided clarification about his comment, stating: “Given that there will be dissolution of the Diet during the coming year, heading toward the election for the House of Representatives we must create policy pledges. These will be created carefully, with the participation and input of all Diet members. The process to determine the officially endorsed DPJ candidates in the election will be implemented appropriately, not only by me, but based on the opinions and wishes of the DPJ Secretary General and each party prefecture headquarters.”
In the discussion session at the same plenary meeting Noda also made a statement reconfirming to all attendees that the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems included various perspectives that had not been raised in the course of discussions to date. He noted: “We have been able to put together social security reform that puts children first exactly because this is a DPJ administration. Since we took on the reins of administration we have been able to make significant first steps toward the formation of a social security system that is tailored to all generations. This is something in which we should take more pride.”
In addition, Noda referred to the basic philosophy of the DPJ, which has been in place since the formation of the party, in which it is stated that “we represent citizens, taxpayers, and consumers.” He stated: “Enhancing and stabilising social security is a theme that lies at the very core of the concept of consumer-centric sovereignty. The perspective of taxpayer-centric sovereignty can be seen in our efforts to eliminate wastefulness and reduce government expenditure, engaging in tough reforms.” Noda observed that these policies are ones that the DPJ has sought to implement since the formation of the party and are policy issues that could well be said to be a part of the DPJ’s identity. Noda continued: “We will implement the comprehensive reform not only because we must, but also because it is part of the unending mission and work of the DPJ. Through discussions with fellow Diet members I have been able to reaffirm this myself.”
Noda also recalled the words of former Attorney General of the United States Robert F. Kennedy, whom he had also quoted in the plenary session of the House of Councilors on July 11: “If politics endlessly follows ideals then policy implementation becomes impossible. Yet, if politics endlessly follows a pragmatic course there is no romance, no tears. We need idealism without illusion.” He called on attending party members thus: “In a divided Diet, in order to push through and accomplish the policies and pledges written in our manifesto, we must move forward realistically, seeking to gain the agreement of opposition parties. This is truly the embodiment of ‘idealism without illusion.’ This is the position on which we stand as the ruling party. In order to fulfil the promises we have made to the people of Japan and achieve those other things that we may not have promised, but nonetheless need doing, I want us all to join hearts and hands to engage in our work with strong awareness and resolve as the ruling party. I want us all to combine our strengths as members of the DPJ and apply ourselves to our work and achieve results for the people of Japan.”
DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi announced three points for action: (1) the establishment of a study committee on the construction of a system for policy decision making, (2) consultations with DPJ prefectural headquarters on the handling of both lower and upper house constituencies where the DPJ has no seats and the setting of a direction for these constituencies, and (3) considerations relating to the usage of the phrase “Putting People’s Lives First.”
Acting Secretary General Shinji Tarutoko noted that following the recent Cabinet reshuffle there were positions that had remained vacant, which had subsequently been decided by the Standing Officers Council meeting and the appointees were already engaged in their duties. Regarding the additional selection of party executives, there were reports provided by Public Relations Committee Chair Chiaki Takahashi, Corporate and External Organisations Committee Chair Masao Kobayashi, and Auditor Masashi Fujiwara. The selections were approved by a round of applause of all members present.
In the discussion session there were statements from the floor from 11 participating party members, including some severe opinions, to which Noda and Koshiishi responded. The meeting ended with the confirmation that the party would go forward united.
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