Shii: Stop reckless misgovernment of Koizumi Cabinet

The 154th ordinary session of parliament, which opened on January 21, will discuss the Koizumi Cabinet's "structural reform" plans, wartime legislation, and corruption in connection with biddings for public works projects.

Earlier in the day, Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Shii Kazuo emphasized that a genuine reform can only be realized when Japan ends its subservience to the United States and its total devotion to large corporations.

He was speaking at the JCP parliamentary group meeting held in the Diet before the opening of the Diet.

Shii said, "The Koizumi Cabinet in the last nine months has revealed its true colors; it is the most obstinate opponent of change in the obsolete Liberal Democratic Party policies. It shows such arrogance that seeks to achieve all of the undemocratic objectives which successive LDP governments had not been able to."

Shii said that this recklessness is clearly seen in its economic and foreign policies, and in its reluctance to investigate corruption. He said: "The government policy is completely devoted to serving the immediate interests of major banks and large corporations, with determination to destroy whatever may be detrimental to their profits. The government plan to again use public money to help major banks write off their bad debts, with the result of scrapping small- and medium-sized businesses, is a typical example of an inversion of policy priorities."

On foreign affairs, Shii said that the government's sole norm for action is whether it is commendable in U.S. eyes or not. He warned of the danger of wartime legislation as the government's subservience to the United States goes to the extreme.

As to the suspicion of brokerage of political influence over bidding for public works projects, Shii pointed out that the government did not show any moves to eliminate political corruption among vested interests. He said that it is necessary for the parliament to reveal the hidden facts by summoning witnesses.

In summary Shii said, "Under the Koizumi Cabinet, a reckless driving of LDP misgovernment is taking place. This Diet session must be one of putting a brake to such a reckless run. The JCP must push its proposal for reform in which the people should be the key players in the economy, foreign affairs, and in democracy. With our discussions in the Diet, let us overcome the deceptive argument on reform and encourage the people's movements."

Near the Diet building in the rain on the same day, trade union members, citizens' movement participants, and religious people had demonstrations and rallies opposing corporate restructuring and wartime legislation. (end)