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On October 18, the leaders of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and New Komeito held a meeting in the Diet building.
Prime Minister Noda addressed the matter of the three-party agreement between the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito, whereby he has promised that, once legislation for a comprehensive reform of the tax system is enacted, he will dissolve the House of Representatives and call a snap election in the near future. Noda explained during the meeting that the agreement was a matter he took with the utmost gravity and that he was fully conscious of the weight and the responsibility involved in his use of the words “in the near future.” Noda added that, in order to make such a decision, it is necessary to ensure the right preparations are in place, and asked for cooperation regarding the following three challenges: (1) special measures for the issuance of government bonds, (2) legislation to correct the disparity in the value of one vote, and (3) establishment of the National Council for Social Security System Reform.
In response to this, the LDP and New Komeito demanded that Noda specify the timing of the next election, before the commencement of discussions. Noda explained to the press after the meeting that he had never specified the timing of the dissolution, but had only said “I have no intention of forcibly extending the life of the DPJ Government” and “I will make a decision when the right conditions are in place.” He explained that despite this, he was unable to obtain the understanding and support of the two opposition parties over the course of the meeting.
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