Shii expounds on role of JCP as 'constructive opposition party'

Japan Press Weekly

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

Shii expounds on role of JCP as 'constructive opposition party'

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo envisaged the role of the JCP after the August 30 House of Representatives general election on a broadcast satellite television program "BS Fuji LIVE PRIME NEWS" aired on the evening of July 21.

Sorimachi Osamu (BS Fuji's moderator): Recently, we frequently hear you talk about the JCP as a "constructive opposition party." You say that this means that under a Democratic Party-led government, the JCP will not always oppose government proposals. Can you elaborate on this position?

Shii Kazuo (Japanese Communist Party Chair): Let me begin by explaining why we say we will be a 'constructive opposition party.' The JCP's primary goal in the general election is, as I said earlier, to give a decisive verdict on the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties and force them out of power. Now that we have promised to do our utmost to drive the LDP-Komei coalition out, we will have to explain the type of government we envisage.

From this position, the JCP will campaign for the following two main objectives for Japan in the 21st century: the establishment of an 'economy governed by rules' and an "independent diplomacy opposing subservience to any foreign country."

In light of the present correlation of forces among political parties, a DPJ-led government is likely to emerge after the general election. The conditions do not exist for the JCP to join the post-election government. So, it is unlikely that a new government led by the DPJ will move to implement these two objectives. This will require the JCP to state what position it will take as an opposition party.

The fundamental political stance of the DPJ is different from the JCP's, in particular with regard to the position toward the business circles and large corporations. The JCP maintains that it is essential to break away from the political framework that defends the interests of the financial circles and large corporations and not the interests of the public at large.

In addition, the JCP is calling for an end to the military alliance with the United States. This is another major point of difference with the DPJ."

Yagi Akiko (BS Fuji's announcer): That's what you mean by two major JCP goals?

Shii: Right. These are the points of major disagreement. As regards the DPJ's policies on separate isues, however, there can be some that the JCP can support. For example, we can support the Democratic Party's proposal for abolishing the discriminatory health care system for the elderly aged 75 and older. We can also support their call for the abolition of Services and Support for Persons with Disabilities Act's provision requiring payments of fees for services.

We cannot agree with the DPJ's call for constitutional revision, a consumption tax increase, and a cut in the number of House of Representatives seats allotted to the proportional representation blocs.

In short, as a "constructive opposition party," we will deal with the policies of the new government on a case-by-case basis.

This stance may appear passive, but we are determined to take positive and aggressive approaches in dealing with various issues.

Also, if a DPJ-led government is established, the JCP along with the LDP and the Komei Party, will be opposition parties. These two parties, however, are expected to take a completely opposite stance from the JCP's position. They will probably oppose DPJ policy proposals that we approve of and approve of those that we oppose. This should highlight the similarities between them and the DPJ as well as indicate the dissimilarities with the JCP.

- Akahata, July 24, 2009