|
In the evening of January 22, Secretary General Goshi Hosono held a press conference following the meeting of the DPJ Standing Officers Council. In the press conference he announced the working draft of the DPJ Mission Statement, explaining that “Based on considerations over the course of the previous two years, it has been decided that the first revisions to the Mission Statement will be implemented, since it was originally formulated in 1998. Between now and the DPJ Party Convention on February 24, over a period of approximately one month, we will be engaging in thorough discussions on the revisions within the party.” Towards the Party Convention, from January 23, the working draft of the revised Mission Statement will be provided to all DPJ Diet members for discussion and after discussions have taken place at each prefectural chapter the finalized draft will be submitted to the Party Convention for consideration and approval.
The six major pillars of the working draft of the DPJ Mission statement are: (1) Basic Stance, (2) Inclusive Society, (3) Justice and Fairness, (4) Growth for Achieving Happiness, (5) National Security and International Contribution, and (6) Political Stance. The preamble to the Mission Statement makes clear the recognition of the DPJ concerning the present state of society, given the changing times, and sets out the party’s resolve, stating, “Now, having experienced the success of a change in government administration and the subsequent setback, we will once again seek to question our basic principles and propose further development, reemerging as a political party for the people of Japan.”
Secretary General Hosono noted that there had been discussion that the section in the preamble concerning the DPJ’s “setback” would need to be written out more fully, in response to which the DPJ Revitalization Headquarters (chaired by President Banri Kaieda) will engage in thorough examination, and after due reflection will set forth a direction for the revitalization of the party. He expressed his recognition that the people of Japan had seen the DPJ as the “party torn apart inside,” which had resulted in opinions being formed that the DPJ as a political party was inadequate for taking the reins of government administration. Hosono explained the purpose of the revisions to the DPJ Mission Statement, stating that, “Even if each of our fellow Diet members has different perspectives on individual policies, I believe we can overcome the impression that we are the ‘party tearing itself apart’ by creating a structure where all members can find common ground and recognize the roots of the party. There is a belief that reformulating the Mission Statement will be a catalyst for changing the ways of the DPJ itself.”
In the working draft of the Mission Statement, in addition to the position of “citizens,” “taxpayers,” “consumers,” and “workers,” a position as a “party of reform” is clearly described as a party consisting of reformers who seek to change the old guard of politics. Reform of administrative organizations, regulations and local sovereignty are among the reforms to political society that are to be incorporated in the Mission Statement.
In addition, with regard to the direction that society should aim for, the following points are laid out clearly in the text: “The public spaces that the central government has taken advantage of to date will be given back to local governments and through mutual cooperation among diverse stakeholders a strong and flexible, inclusive society will be created.” “We will create a just and fair society where all people respect each other’s human rights, where gender equality is truly realized, where all people can engage in cultural activities in good health, with all necessary and sufficient opportunities for learning throughout their lives, and where the environment is duly protected.” “While supporting individual economic independence, we must not forget to give warmth and understanding to those in vulnerable positions. We will ensure that while aiming for economic growth, the fruits of that growth are put to use for the happiness of the people who live and work in society.” “We will deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is the lynchpin for Japan’s foreign policy, and realize coexistence with neighboring Asia. Under the principles of an exclusively defensive military doctrine, we will gradually develop Japan’s self-defense capabilities and protect the safety of the people of Japan and the nation’s territories.”
With regard to political stance, the working draft Mission Statement states, “We will identify challenges from among grassroots activities in local communities and interaction among local residents and take action. We shall make it a principle to engage in active discussion and comply with conclusions reached, thereby contributing to sound party administration. Respecting openness, participation and dialogue we will work with the people of Japan as we aim to determine and implement policies.”
|
