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2016/01/26
Okada speaks in lower house plenary session, calls for formation of “an alternative political force”
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On January 26, the interpellatory session for Prime Minister Abe’s policy speech took place in the House of Representatives. DPJ President Katsuya Okada took to the podium on behalf of the DPJ.
Okada promised the Japanese people, “I will create an alternative political force in order to improve Japanese politics.” He proclaimed “what I am aiming for is a free society that respects a variety of values and lifestyles.”
Okada expressed deep concern about the impact of the Abe administration’s governance on the future of Japan, citing the following: (1) the loss of open-mindedness amongst a section of Japanese society amidst continuing economic stagnation and unstable livelihoods, (2) ignoring and even encouraging the widening of disparities, and (3) postponing dealing with vital issues that must be resolved for the sake of future generations.
After referring to the need to respond to child poverty and rectify the Japanese tendency toward long working hours, Okada questioned Prime Minister Abe on Japan’s fiscal consolidation, stating, “We should not bend the rules of fiscal discipline. Why? Because we must fulfill our responsibilities to our children and young people, and to future generations. However, the Prime Minister’s policy speech did not make any specific reference to fiscal consolidation. Isn’t that irresponsible of you as Prime Minister?” He went on to ask, “When will you reveal the specifics of your fiscal consolidation plan toward [bringing the primary balance into the black by] fiscal 2020?”
Okada also commented on the security laws passed by the government last year, stating, “The DPJ’s basic stance on security is that we are ‘committed to an exclusively defense-oriented policy, realistic in Japan’s vicinity, restrictive in far-off regions, and active in humanitarian assistance.’ From this perspective, we believe it is necessary to enact a Territorial Security Act, and revise the Law Concerning Measures to Ensure the Peace and Security of Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan [now renamed the Law to Ensure Security for Situations that Will Have an Important Influence on Japan’s Peace and Security] and the PKO Law, and we will submit such legislation to the Diet during this session.”
Okada further commented on the subject of constitutional revision, pointing out, “The Constitution is designed to protect the Japanese people from the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. It would be extremely dangerous for Prime Minister Abe, who shows no understanding of this fundamental tenet of constitutionalism, to carry out constitutional revision.” He stated, “Post-war Japan’s 70 years’ of democracy, constitutionalism and pacifism now faces a crucial turning point. We must put a stop to the reckless behavior of the Abe administration.”
Okada concluded by stressing: “We must not take the wrong path. People who have distanced themselves from politics are now raising their voices out of a sense of crisis. I am also determined to fight against the Abe administration’s politics.”
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