November 8: Ohsawa: Denies to coalition of government, Disagrees to new Terrorist Law

November 7: During the press interview at the party headquarters, the Democratic Party representative Ohsawa Ichiro denied to “not considering” about the coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party. At an earlier meeting between the 2 parties, he withdrew his intention of quitting, and openly expressed his will to remain in office, and spend his political life for the Representatives. Ohsawa apologized for the external confusion aroused by the meeting with Prime Minister Fukuda, due to lack of explanation. On the same day, the Democratic Party set up the headquarters to deal with the Representatives. While the problem of Ohsawa’s arbitrary decision to the coalition still lingers, it is still faced by the strict party members.

At the interview, Ohsawa expressed that with regards to his decision to remain in office, neither him nor the party has any attached conditions. Another request from the party heads is, besides showing consideration in the party, “special meetings” should not be done. Regarding the government’s new terrorist measure, the “basic opinion is different”, and opposition ideas are clear.

In addition, the reason that the Prime Minister had a sudden meeting with the party heads is, it was through a third party before that from the Prime Minister’s side that the coalition approach was shown clearly.

At the informal meeting, a apology was done for the troubles created from the party head meeting. From the emphatic victory during election in the House of Councilors, two strong ideas were drawn. (1) winning the election at the House of Representatives is not optimistic; (2) it would be difficult to set up a Bill.

After bringing back the coalition suggestion, strategies are being carried out. “During the Liberal Democratic Party conference, the measure for the citizens’ well-being is the first priority, and according to the situation, the main measure should be one that could be realized. Only when the regime ability is visible, the possibility of winning at the general elections will increase.”

Comments:

Recently from the news, it can be observed that a lot of politicians are quitting from their positions, and politics in Japan is becoming complicated with a lot of disputes. Maybe a coalition is a good idea for the various parties to work out together a good method for the well-being of the citizens.

TEO Wee Boon

(Singapore)

APM 4

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University