On the afternoon of September 26, when asked by the press in the Diet building about the newly appointed President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) Shinzo Abe, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi commented “I would like to offer my congratulations to LDP President Abe on his appointment as president. As the two main political parties, the DPJ and the LDP need to compete with each other in a friendly manner so as to realize politics for the people of Japan. We will prepare to respond to the movements of LDP President Abe.” Koshiishi also referred to the three-party agreement, the importance of which has also been acknowledged by Abe. Koshiishi stated “The DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito should follow the three-party agreement. All three parties also have to work together to address social security issues and to hold a national council on the matter at the earliest possible opportunity.” He also revealed that he was considering holding three-party discussions with the LDP and New Komeito.

In addition, Koshiishi mentioned plans for meetings between the party leaders, saying “Prime Minister Noda clearly stated that he would like to hold meetings with new LDP President Abe and re-appointed New Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi. That should mark the start of further progress.”