Japan Press Weekly

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2011 June 1 - 7 [POLITICS]

Public does not approve of Kan Cabinet: Shii

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo said on June 2 that the rejection of a no-confidence motion against the Kan Cabinet in the Lower House does not mean that it has received citizens’ approval.

At a press conference in the Diet building, Shii stated that the public has expressed fierce criticism over the cabinet’s handling of the post-disaster situation and the nuclear accident as indicated by many opinion polls. Prime Minister Kan Naoto should take their anger into deep consideration, Shii stressed.

Referring to the prime minister’s remark earlier on the day that he will resign once the crisis situation subsides, the JCP leader said that it cannot be regarded as the announcement of an intent to resign.

The JCP abstained from voting on the no-confidence motion, submitted by the Liberal Democratic and Komei parties. Shii explained that his party’s action was to express its disapproval of the opposition parties’ political maneuvering as well as the policies promoted by the Kan cabinet.

The no-confidence motion was supported by the LDP, Komei, Sunrise, and Your parties. Among ruling DPJ lawmakers, two of them voted for the motion, and 15, including Ozawa Ichiro, abstained.