TOKYO: IZUMI Kenta, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told his New Year’s press conference Thursday that his party aims to achieve a change in government through the next general election for the House of Representatives.

In the wake of a high-profile political funds scandal involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Izumi said, “Now is the time for opposition parties to stand up. We will promote preparations to realize an early change in government.”

Izumi suggested that talks among opposition parties to adjust their election candidates would progress if they agree on common policies such as political reform, free-of-charge education and a temporary gasoline tax cut.

On the same day, Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, told a separate press conference that his party hopes to “make a leap forward” this year.

Referring to the DPFP’s talks with the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition on a temporary gasoline tax cut, Tamaki said, “We want to realize policies closely related to people’s daily lives.”

Japanese Communist Party leader Kazuo Shii said at a party event that the JCP will continue to make “every effort to expose the full details” of the LDP funds scandal.

Speaking to reporters later in the day, Shii argued that the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida “has been pushed to the brink.”

JIJI Press