JCP to propose revoking pension bill

The Japanese Communist Party on June 10 announced that it will submit to the Diet a bill to revoke the recently enacted pension bill because it will only destroy people's lives in their old age. The JCP also called for a national discussion to be organized on an overhaul of the pension system that is acceptable to all.

Koike Akira, JCP Policy Commission chair, and Kokuta Keiji, JCP Diet Policy Committee chair, explained the plan at a news conference in the Diet.

Citing the Health, Welfare and Labor Minister's comment indicating the need to review the new law and the minister's survey showing a decline in the birthrate in 2003, Koike said, "Clearly, the new pension law is already proven to be a mistake. It will only destroy the pension system from its foundations. We must prevent it from being implemented."

Koike said that the coming House of Councilors election should be an opportunity to pass a severe judgment on the ruling parties because they railroaded the pension cut bill through the Diet.

"A major JCP advance in the election is essential for making true pension reform possible," Koike added. (end)