JCP takes on quasi alliance consisting of ruling LDP and Komei and opposition DPJ: Tokyo election

Japan Press Weekly

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

JCP takes on quasi alliance consisting of ruling LDP and Komei and opposition DPJ: Tokyo election

In the campaigning for the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election on July 12, the Japanese Communist Party stands out as the only opposition party that challenges the cutbacks in spending for social services and education.

In the election, 221 candidates, including 40 from the JCP, are contesting the 127 seats.

At the official start of the campaign on July 4, JCP Chair Shii Kazuo spoke at several locations calling for support to JCP candidates. He said, "While the ruling LDP and Komei approved all the bills introduced by Governor Ishihara Shintaro, the opposition DPJ supported 99.3 percent of them. The DPJ is just another 'ruling party'." Their real confrontation is taking place between the JCP and the ruling forces consisting of the LDP, Komei and the DPJ."

The opposition DPJ's "manifesto" states that the failing bank that was started on the governor's initiative represents the worst mistake ever, but it does not mention the fact that it praised the founding of the bank with 100 billion yen in tax money at the time saying, "The new bank offers the public dreams."

The JCP is calling for free medical services for the elderly aged 75 and over, while the LDP, Komei and the DPJ have promoted cutbacks in most services for the elderly.

The DPJ has jumped on the bandwagon in support of the plan to reduce the number of metropolitan hospitals, including the closing of three major children's hospitals.

- Akahata, July 4, 2009