TOKYO: IZUMI Kenta, president of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said Friday that he will seek re-election.

The announcement by Izumi, 50, came a day before the start of the official campaign period for the party’s Sept. 23 leadership election.

Former CDP leader EDANO Yukio, 60, and former Prime Minister NODA Yoshihiko, 67, have already announced their candidacies for the race.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Izumi said: “We’ll pursue a change of government at the next general election. I’ll lead the effort.”

He called for raising tax on the rich to correct wealth disparities and making education free of charge.

Izumi has been elected to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, eight times. He assumed the CDP’s top position in November 2021 to replace Edano, who stepped down following the party’s defeat in the 2021 Lower House election.

Former CDP Executive Deputy President EDA Kenji, 68, and Lower House lawmaker YOSHIDA Harumi, 52, are considering running in the party’s leadership election.

JIJI Press