JCP supports candidate Tanaka to help 'no more dams' current grow: JCP Shii

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo stated that the JCP supports candidate Tanaka Yasuo in the Nagano gubernatorial election in order to promote the "no more dam" current in an interview on satellite television ASAHI NEWSTAR, broadcast on August 22.

The election was called after a no-confidence motion against Governor Tanaka was adopted by the majority of pro-dam forces in the Nagano Prefectural Assembly who were dissatisfied with the governor's decision to stop the construction of two dams in the prefecture. The five JCP members of the assembly voted against the undemocratic motion.

In the interview, Shii stressed that the major issue in the election is whether or not Nagano is going to promote the "no more dams" current which Tanaka created.

Shii said that the JCP supports Tanaka because he is the only candidate who calls for policy priority to be changed from one of continuing with wasteful public works projects to one of promoting welfare and environmental protection.

The JCP chair appreciated that the former governor had increased the budget for social welfare while cutting funds for major public works. As some of Tanaka's important achievements, Shii mentioned that Tanaka used more tax money for maintaining forests as well as downsized a school class to less than 31 students. (end)