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On November 10, DPJ President Banri Kaieda held his regular press conference. Kaieda started by commenting on remarks made by senior figures in the government and ruling parties about dissolving the House of Representatives, stating, “Prime Minister Abe, if you intend to dissolve the House of Representatives, please do so. The DPJ will take up the gauntlet.” Kaieda expressed the view that the main issue during any election campaign would be putting Abenomics under the microscope, saying, “It may be true that some corporations and high-income earners have benefitted [since Abe took power], but, on the other hand, are the majority of people better off? Are small and medium-sized businesses doing well? And is our nation really safer and more secure? As the largest opposition party, we will respond to the doubts and concerns of the Japanese people regarding the Abe administration.”
Regarding the revisions of Workers Dispatching Law, Kaieda stated, “This week proceedings in the House of Representatives will reach a crucial stage. The ruling coalition is talking about moving to a vote on November 12, but this is something we can never allow.” Kaieda emphasized the need for Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare Shiozaki to apologize for mistakes he made during his responses in the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Health and Labour and Welfare; to convene hearings from experts and public hearings, and to ensure the Prime Minister’s participation in Committee discussions when they are nearing a conclusion.
Asked about the DPJ’s preparations for a prospective snap election and electoral cooperation with other opposition parties, Kaieda stated that the party urgently needed to decide on new candidates for the election. He added that the DPJ would judge the prospects for cooperation with other opposition parties in accordance with future developments, while maintaining cooperative relationships already established in the Diet.
Kaieda also commented on the leadership summit held between Prime Minister Abe and Chinese President Xi, “During my visit to China this summer, I emphasized to the Chinese side that “a leadership summit should take place”, and so I think it was beneficial that it did take place. However, it is important for us to think about how we can narrow the gaps between the two sides on historical perception and the Senkaku Islands.”
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