Opposition leaders seek unity on policies as LDP faces crisis following Komeito’s exit
Tokyo
Democratic Party for the People (DPP) leader Yuichiro Tamaki has called on Japan’s opposition parties to unite around shared policy goals to pave the way for a change in government, amid growing doubts over whether the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) can retain power, Japanese media reported on Tuesday. Tamaki announced that he plans to meet Yoshihiko Noda, head of the largest opposition force, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), to discuss joint strategies for the upcoming parliamentary vote to choose Japan’s next Prime Minister. The talks come as the opposition explores closer cooperation to counter the LDP’s weakening position.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Tamaki emphasized that reaching a consensus on fundamental policies is essential before forming any coalition. The call for unity comes after Komeito, the LDP’s junior partner, ended its 26-year alliance on Friday, throwing the ruling bloc into disarray.
The departure has clouded the prospects of Sanae Takaichi, who won the LDP’s presidential election on October 4, succeeding outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. An extraordinary parliamentary session later this month is expected to elect Ishiba’s successor. Before the coalition collapse, Takaichi was widely expected to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister. However, without Komeito’s support, her chances appear uncertain, especially if opposition forces including the CDPJ, DPP, and Japan Innovation Party unite behind a single candidate. Earlier this month, Takaichi, a prominent figure from the LDP’s conservative wing, secured victory in the party leadership runoff with 185 votes, defeating Shinjiro Shinjiro, who received 156 votes after no candidate gained a majority in the first round.
