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On the evening of August 29, a censure motion submitted by seven opposition parties to the House of Councillors against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was discussed in the Diet. Norio Takeuchi, member of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), delivered a speech opposing the motion. A summary version of his speech follows.
I would like to first address the members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Have you read this proposal carefully? The proposal criticizes the previously made three-party agreement among the DPJ, the LDP and the New Komeito, and cites it as a reason for the submission of this motion. Put simply, your political decision has become the reason for this censure motion.
The DPJ has worked extremely hard to enact legislation related to the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems for the benefit of those working today and for future generations. The LDP is only supporting this motion out of partisan interests. This is shameless, and it violates our three-party agreement. Know that the promise made in that agreement for the ‘early dissolution of the House of Representatives’ is now invalid.
I also protest strongly against the members of other opposition parties who submitted this censure motion, which puts priority on only their own party’s interests. I call for your profound repentance.
There are many reasons to oppose this censure motion.
First of all, PM Noda has been working hard to correct the widening gap between the rich and poor, putting the lives of the people first.
He has staked his political career on the legislation related to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems. The legislation helps to realize many policies to correct that gap. The cost of social security is over 120 trillion yen. It is nearly three times higher than it was 20 years ago. In order to avoid placing an excessive burden on the working generation, we must depart from a situation in which we are forcing future generations to cover today’s debt. At the same time, we must also sustain and enhance the social security system. The fairest and best way to achieve all of this is to raise consumption tax, which is paid by every generation, and to utilize additional tax revenues for social security alone.
Despite the twisted Diet, PM Noda is steadily achieving policies that put the people’s lives first.
The second reason to oppose this motion is that it is a step backwards on reforms for those matters that we must finish before raising taxes, which are proceeding simultaneously with the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems.
The DPJ, including the Noda administration, has been conducting a budget review and taking measures to find a solution to the problem of amakudari, in which government bureaucrats move from their positions into related jobs in the private sector. The DPJ has also submitted draft legislation regarding the disposal of state-owned assets, and legislation to reform the special account and independent administrative corporations. In addition, a draft proposal passed through the House of Representatives just yesterday that calls for an 80 seat reduction in the House of Representatives.
If this censure motion is passed, these efforts to enact reform will be in vain. The submission of this motion is an irresponsible act by those who resist reform.
The final reason to opposing this motion against PM Noda, who has taken stern and uncompromising position on territorial issues, is that it will allow other countries the chance to take advantage of Japan. This motion only harms our national interests.
The LDP-New Komeito coalition has failed to make any effort on territorial issues. By contrast, PM Noda is making bold statements on the legitimacy of our country’s territorial claims both at home and abroad, calling for solutions based on law and justice. He is attaching a high importance to diplomatic civility, and dealing with these matters in a calm and firm manner.
What Japan needs now is for its Diet members to have an "all Japan" attitude that does not pay mind to matters of partisanship, but works to do something about the high-handed manners of the neighboring countries that threaten our territory. When we work for partisan interests, it is only other countries that benefit. This is what we need to recognize.
I ask all of you sincerely to think of our historical traditions and the majesty of the House of Councillors and vote down this motion.
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