Twenty years have passed since the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito formed a coalition government. This stable political foundation must be used to implement policies.
With the end of the single-party rule by the LDP in 1993, the era of coalition government began. However, the framework of the coalitions has changed at a dizzying pace after getting off course over basic policies.
The beginning of the LDP-Komeito coalition dates back to 1999 when Komeito joined the LDP and the Liberal Party to form a three-party coalition.
After that, the LDP-Komeito framework became the long-standing foundation for forming the majority in the Diet. It is of no small significance that the coalition has increased the momentum for policies.
Behind the continued collaboration between the two parties is the strong election cooperation they have built up, which is known as a "merger of the LDP and Komeito." The parties have deepened cooperation in the form of "the LDP for constituencies and Komeito for proportional representation."
In terms of policies, they have worked together to overcome challenges at home and abroad.
Komeito was initially cautious about sending Ground Self-Defense Force personnel to Iraq, but decided to approve the dispatch after confirming the security situation there. After consultations with the LDP, Komeito supported passing the security-related laws that allow Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense in a limited manner.
From the standpoint of emphasizing international cooperation and the Japan-U.S. alliance, it is commendable that Komeito fulfilled its responsibility as a ruling party.
The scope of coalition policies has widened thanks to Komeito, which places importance on consumers' point of view. In regard to introducing the reduced consumption tax rate system and revising the Fundamental Law of Education, the LDP made compromises.
A pending issue is how to coordinate constitutional revision.
Based on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's intentions, the LDP has compiled a proposal on four items, including the amendment of Article 9 by adding a clause stipulating the legal basis for the Self-Defense Forces and the creation of provisions for dealing with emergency situations.
Komeito has taken the position of adding new provisions to the Constitution when necessary without changing the framework. Soka Gakkai, an organization that supports the party, remains cautious about revising Article 9.
Without an agreement reached by the ruling parties, it is difficult for each chamber of the Diet even to formally propose constitutional revision. It is important to adjust the administration of the commissions on the Constitution in each chamber of the Diet and the items to be revised.
It is the duty of the ruling parties to build a sustainable social security system as the graying of society progresses. Social security costs will continue to expand. Reforms that involve curbing benefit payments and increasing financial burdens will be indispensable in health care and nursing care systems.
The ruling parties should thoroughly explain the need for reforms to the public and make every effort to win their understanding. It should never resort to lavish budgetary spending to curry favor with the public.
It is hoped that the two parties will make full use of their experience and wisdom fostered in the coalition government to overcome difficult problems.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 6, 2019)
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