politics

Ozawa, supporters prepare for revolt in Diet over tax bill vote

10 Comments

Divisions within the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) intensified Saturday as members returned to their constituencies to discuss Tuesday's vote in the lower house on two bills on raising the consumption tax and social security reform.

Former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa said he intends to vote against the bill. About 50 of his supporters have signaled their intention to follow suit. Ozawa has also hinted that after the vote, he may leave the DPJ.

Ozawa told his supporters to explain their stance when they meet their constituents, and added they need not be afraid because they are right to oppose the bill, Sankei Shimbun reported.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who was in Okinawa Saturday to attend a memorial marking the 67th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa, said there is still time to persuade Ozawa and his allies to change ther mind about voting against the bill, NHK reported.

However, some senior DPJ members believe the rebels should be expelled from the party if they vote against the bills.

Party veteran Hirohisa Fujii, who heads the DPJ's tax system research panel, said that the bills were agreed upon after a lengthy debate and that once the leadership has decided on the policy, then all members are obliged to support the prime minister, Fuji TV reported. If they go against the party line, then they should be expelled, he said.

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10 Comments
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Well Ozawa is up to his usual mischief. His actions will be the downfall of DPJ that will lead to LDP taking over power again.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I agree with Tom Webb, they should kick him out now !

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The chinks in Ozawa's armor are starting to show. The other day it was 60 of his disciples, now it is down to about 50 of them. If the DJP members vote against the bill it is very possible that they will face sanctions or even getting kicked out of the party for not toeing the line.

I hope, really hope, that after the vote is passed Noda calls an election and doesn't give Ozawa any time at all to regroup or set up his own party. Noda should blast the DJP apart and blame it all on Ozawa, but we all know that "s" doesnt stick to Ozawa.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Those who are following Ozawa are mostly freshmen and freshwomen in the diet who were accidentally elected in the last landslide election. They think by following Ozawa, they will have more chances to be reelected in the next election. For them, tax bill is not important.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

DPJ members believe the rebels should be expelled from the party if they vote against the bills.

Yes, traitors should be punished accordingly.

Ozawa must be getting used to separating...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Well, that's getting as interesting as NHK showings of proceedings... I hope they do vote against the tax increase pension increase bills. Tax is already high enough, pensions are already twice what they should be, no need to drive the country into more debt AND chase away companies at the same time.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Ozawa and his buddies are revolting!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Clemens Simon: ( Yes Trators should be Puniished accordingly ) Your statement sounds straight out of (north Korea)!!! Yesterday you were against (people following like sheep),in another story. I guess it's OK to be a sheep as long as its in (your herd).

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Stuart,

Care to elaborate?

I think Ozawa and his 57 "followers" should be made to part from the DPJ. You think they should be allowed to stay?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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