politics

Noda defies opposition, says election can wait

24 Comments
By Tetsushi Kajimoto

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© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012.

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24 Comments
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Ha ha. Good on him. He was forced to say that he would call early elections from completely self-interested politicians. Let him do his job. The last thing Japan needs is yet another PM.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

It is true that Japanese Primer Ministers last shorter than a match lighted in the middle of a hurricane, but I would rather see some changes in Japanese politics (and therefore politicians) after seeing how the DPJ has handled things since it was elected (not that the opposite parties are much better though).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It's normal to compleat a full term in other county's, it's about time Japan caught up.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Well it seems Mr Noda is full of surprises, his confidence and honesty in tackling problems Japan is facing was long overdue.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

"He also reiterated his resolve to protect Japanese territory and waters, an apparent reference to recent rows with China and South Korea over separate groups of disputed islets."

This man and his inept party need to go. He has been unable to resolve the island issues openly. All the meetings are closed door events with the Japanese people not knowing what is being said or decided under their name.

His party can not be trusted to really protect national interest.

The reason he is not calling for elections is he knows that the moment it they begin will be the moment the DPJ will cease to exist and he will be out on his duff.

Time for real leadership to set in and handle the issues at hand with true and open negotiations.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

wow, the gold ole bait and switch. well, at least it will prevent abe from being PM again.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Just prolonging ing the inevitable. He is not likely to be the first prime minister re-elected since Koizumi

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No government can manage the current public finances without the bill, Noda said.

Actually it can. Especially in Japan's case, where the bulk of debt is held by citizens who bizarrely are happy with minuscule returns on their investments.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Go Noda go! Give the men who ruined this country the finger and continue doing the job you need to do!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I like this... made me laugh...The Japanese government is all confused... what.. this PM wants to actually stay in office and get stuff done? What.. I don't understand.. that's not how we do things here in Japan.. See it's like this... Im PM for about 6 months or less... do a few things.. and then quit. That is how it's done Noda. LOL.. Good on Noda to actually be doing things. It's about time.. someone just doesn't quite because the other side wants them to.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Noda hold on as you call the shot being the PM. Do what you think is right, hang on....

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Well, have to give him credit -- he may not be able to do a lot of what he wants because of the opposition (just like in the US), and may not be a very good PM at all, but amidst the game of musical thrones here people shouldn't be upset that someone wants to stay and get a few things accomplished for a change. Don't get me wrong, I thought from the start the guy was not qualified and no good, but there is also no better alternative -- and for those who think the once-quitter still got a tummy ache Abe is a good alternative, give your head a shake. Same for anyone who thinks an 80-year-old bigot who wants war would be a good alternative.

JoeBigs: "This man and his inept party need to go. He has been unable to resolve the island issues openly."

They have been unable to resolve them closed, too. But you know what? NO ONE has been able to resolve said issues, hence they have been issues for some time, and regardless of what you think of Ishihara or whomever might succeed Noda, THEY won't be able to solve the issues either, especially if it's some belligerent old hack of a politician that declares he will solve the issue through force.

"All the meetings are closed door events with the Japanese people not knowing what is being said or decided under their name."

Since when has it been different, and how do you think that will change with yet ANOTHER change of PM? You do realize as well that Japan is the laughing stock of the political world, don't you? As much as you mock SK and China for their governments, at least they have had the same person in power for a number of years whereas if Noda goes we'll have the seventh PM since 2006, something Campbell (US) rightly chided Japan for just the other day.

While I don't like Noda (I say again), I'm glad he's not kow-towing as usual to the opposition. In a land devoid of any strength in politics this is a tiny glimmer of it.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Maybe Noda can save himself from ignominy yet.

Interesting photo.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Noda is a horrible PM. But even a horrible PM understands that calling an election when his government's approval rating is less than the LDP means defeat.

Interesting that this announcement to break the promises he made while negotiating with the opposition came after Campbell delivered his "message" that the US is quite comfortable with their man in office and Japan doesn't need to make changes now. One has to wonder, with the US elections a week away, what is being discussed behind closed doors.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"election can wait"

At least until the DPJ's poll numbers are up, lol.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The opposition should be ashamed of themselves. Instead of playing game of thrones they should get on and do some friggin work for a change.

Selfish, conceited MoFos playing politics.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

opposition’s deepening frustration

the opposition are the problem with Japan

3 ( +4 / -1 )

taro67, Noda is a horrible PM. But even a horrible PM understands that calling an election when his government's approval >>rating is less than the LDP means defeat.

The Japanese mass media is responsible by the appearance of this monster called minshito. The Japanese were deceived by promises that even the skeptical disbelieved.

Go out no-da

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

What's next ?

Where are the candidates for the next PM ?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Methinks that all the Kings horses and all the Kings men from the current government will never put the finances back together again as the current new (latest and greatest) stimulus package is not enough. Lord Noda and his merry band need to double whats on the table and aim it at the right targets, of which the following are mere suggestions : A coherent plan to down size the current nuclear/carbon mess, the development of reasonably priced alternative energy, boosting the population through paying breeding parents hundreds of thousands not tens of thousands of yens per month, better and free Kresch services for those working parents bringing up the little wretches, a new tax system that taxes one and all, competitive financial services, open competitive gambling including Casinos, a Singapore look-a-like tax free business zone, reinstallation of the stocks for those that dont vote, a vote for the gaijins living for over ten years in Japan, a good hard look at what needs to be done with the Tohoku debauch and perhaps most of all, an end to all current squabbling until the job is done i.e. balanced budget, growing population, growing commercial enterprise, gambling halls and drinking dens full of buxom........errr, too much mead Im afraid, but we await your comments Lord Noda here at Camelot .

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Well, let's face it - if the guy is going to backtrack on an election promise to the entire nation not to increase the sales tax, a vague promise to Tanigaki under pressure isn't worth a lot of currency obviously.

I don't agree with the guy's politics, but I do respect his capacity to bulldoze through the political games here to do what he wants.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Step down and let Tanaka take your place.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Yes, the TPP is definately good for japan and especially Japanese farmers,imporing America's fertilizer exports to grow Japanese fruits that will be their most gratitutes!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

issa1Oct. 30, 2012 - 12:42AM JST

The Japanese mass media is responsible by the appearance of this monster called minshito. The Japanese were deceived by promises that even the skeptical disbelieved.

Go out no-da

Issa, people like you are helping global financial hawks. They are salibating to make a big profit on Japan going off the cliff. They are betting on Japanese failure. The market has been already reacting to that. They do not care about you and Japan. They are truly scumbags. You guys need to set a difference aside and move forward to get the job done. I am telling you this, so that all of you can work together to save your country you love.

Get it done and move forward for change.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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