Former DPJ leader Ozawa appointed as acting president

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Former DPJ leader Ozawa appointed as acting president

The Democratic Party of Japan's new leader Hatoyama Yukio on May 17 announced new members of the party leadership that include former vice president Okada Katsuya as the new secretary general and former President Ozawa Ichiro as acting president in charge of elections.

This reveals the DPJ's high regard for Ozawa, despite the fact that Ozawa was forced to resign in the face of strong criticism of his alleged involvement in illegal donations from Nishimatsu Construction Co.

Explaining the reason for this appointment, Hatoyama said that Okada is a key person in establishing party unity.

Regarding Ozawa, Hatoyama expressed his opinion that Ozawa's talent for winning elections is essential to the party's new executive members.

- Akahata, May 18, 2009