Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other Liberal Democratic Party members vow election victories during the LDP convention held in Tokyo on Feb. 26. (Koichi Ueda)

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to unite and secure victory in the “most important elections” for the foundation of the people’s party.

His call came during the LDP convention held at a Tokyo hotel on Feb. 26.

Unified local elections around Japan will be held in April, as well as five by-elections for seats in the Lower House and Upper House.

The results of these elections “may have an impact on national politics in the future,” Kishida said.

To improve the party’s chances, the LDP’s campaign strategy clearly states that it “will strengthen cooperation with Rengo (Japanese Trade Union Confederation) and other friendly labor unions through policy discussions and other means.”

Rengo has long been the main supporter of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Kishida also emphasized in his speech that the ruling coalition partnership with Komeito “is indeed the foundation of stable politics.”

Natsuo Yamaguchi, head of Komeito, delivered a speech as a guest at the LDP convention.

Yamaguchi said Komeito has worked to endorse LDP candidates for the unified local elections in April.

“We will forge a solid footing for our foundation by winning,” he said.

Kishida listed important challenges that cannot be delayed any longer, such as strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities, leading an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to the energy crisis, and pushing policies related to child-raising.

He also mentioned the importance of hosting a successful Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, as well as increasing wages to overcome the rising cost of living.

Regarding constitutional revision, Kishida said, “We will more proactively hold discussions in the Diet with the help of opposition parties.”

The prime minister also said establishing a system for stable imperial succession cannot be postponed any longer, and the LDP will discuss the issue in the Diet.

Kishida also touched on the shooting death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He described the 10 years starting in 2012, when the LDP under Abe regained control over the government, as “the decade of progress.”

“It is time for us to take a new step toward the next decade, based on the decade of progress built by Abe and former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga,” he said.

Abe’s death led to reports about shady connections between LDP members and the Unification Church.

Kishida did not mention the issue in his speech. He also refrained from bringing up a spate of money scandals involving LDP politicians.

Related News