Japan’s CDPJ hopes to accelerate election cooperation with DPFP; Aims to form an opposition axis against the scandal-ridden LDP

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) is making overtures to the People’s Democratic Party (DPFP) for possible cooperation in the next House of Representatives elections.

The CDPJ, the largest opposition party, is apparently aiming to accelerate efforts to cooperate with the DPFP, taking advantage of the political winds currently blowing against the Liberal Democratic Party over alleged violations of the Law on the Control of Political Funds by some factions within that party.

“We will work together in the next Lower House elections and form a united bloc by the time of the House of Councilors elections next summer,” said CDPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada, expressing his expectations during a speech in Tajimi on Sunday , in Gifu Prefecture.

He emphasized the need for the two parties to become an axis of opposition to the LDP. “It is the LDP that is most happy about the failure of opposition parties to work together,” he said.

However, opinions within the DPFP are divided. Some members are pushing for policy change, saying, “The party will fade into oblivion if it remains as it is now. It is time to change course and start working with the CDPJ.” But there are also members who strongly oppose the CDPJ’s efforts to deepen its own cooperation with the Japanese Communist Party in the House of Representatives midterm elections and the Tokyo gubernatorial elections.

“It will be necessary to discuss basic policies such as energy and security,” DPFP leader Yuichiro Tamaki said on Monday in response to questions from journalists, reiterating the party’s position that it will be difficult to deal with the CDPJ to cooperate.