[Video] First Street Speech After Party Formation | "Putting People-First Politics at the Center"

Video (Live Stream Archive)

Co-Representatives Tetsuo Saito and Yoshihiko Noda strongly appeal their determination as the "third option" to reform stagnant politics

On January 23, the Centrist Reform Coalition held its first street speech after its formation in front of Yurakucho Station in Tokyo. They strongly appealed their determination as the "third option" to save the lives of citizens suffering from high prices and to reform stagnant politics. The street speech was attended by Co-Representatives Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito, as well as Co-Election Campaign Committee Chair Koichi Kasai, and former House of Representatives members Harumi Yoshida, Eriko Omori, So Muno, and Natsumi Sakai.

Co-Representative Saito: "A strong nation and economy where human happiness is visible is the form we should aim for"

Reflecting on the parliamentary chamber immediately after the dissolution, Co-Representative Saito severely criticized the current administration, stating, "Forcing a dissolution without a justifiable cause at a time when we must not create a political vacuum in world affairs and the economy is a disregard for the Diet." Furthermore, regarding the philosophy upheld by the Centrist Reform Coalition, he emphasized, "Centrism means prioritizing 'people' over the state or the economy. A strong nation and economy where human happiness is visible is the form we should aim for." Regarding a 0% consumption tax rate on food, he argued, "It is not a 'consideration' like the Liberal Democratic Party. We are clearly stating responsible funding sources that do not rely on deficit-covering government bonds, such as tapping into bloated funds and using investment returns from national treasury assets. Furthermore, we will decisively implement a 'public rent subsidy system' for those who cannot receive the benefits of the mortgage tax deduction, as well as tax cuts for scholarships and the expansion of NISA, which are heavy burdens on the working generation." In addition, regarding realistic pacifism, he stated, "Protecting peace is a balance between steady defense capabilities and the equally important 'power of dialogue (diplomatic power).' The appearance of being trusted by the world as a peaceful nation is the foundation of security, and we will uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and create an inclusive centrist core in Japan."

Co-Representative Noda: "Establishing the philosophy of 'basic services' that the state provides with responsibility"

Next, Co-Representative Noda, who took the microphone, dismissed the current administration's measures against high prices as "nothing more than passing the buck to local governments, lacking effectiveness," and then appealed the "proper economic policy" that the Centrist Reform Coalition aims for: "What we will do is 'cash back (tax credits with benefits)' for the public. With a two-pronged support approach of tax cuts for the middle-income bracket and cash benefits for the low-income bracket, we will save the falling middle class and restore an economy of sharing." Regarding the expansion of basic services, he strongly appealed, "Medical care, nursing care, child-rearing, education, and disability welfare. We will establish the philosophy of 'basic services' where the state takes responsibility for providing the fundamental services necessary at every stage of life. By fundamentally resolving anxiety about the future, I will work with Co-Representative Saito with all my heart and soul to realize a society that does not create the vulnerable and politics that turns stagnation into progress."

Appealing the importance of a people-first approach

In addition, Co-Election Campaign Committee Chair Koichi Kasai and former House of Representatives members Harumi Yoshida, Eriko Omori, So Muno, and Natsumi Sakai also each appealed the importance of a people-first approach.

Co-Election Campaign Committee Chair Koichi Kasai: "It is not extremism, but 'centrism' that is the belief that protects Japan's peace"

He appealed, "This dissolution will be the first mid-winter election in 36 years, but we will take it on with responsibility as a new option for the people. Rather than figures like rising stock prices, I want to bring the voices of each individual citizen suffering from the weak yen and high prices to the very center of politics. Dialogue over confrontation, inclusion over division, it is not extremism, but 'centrism' that is the belief that protects Japan's peace."

Former House of Representatives member So Muno: "Placing the reality of the working generation at the very center of policy"

He expressed his determination, saying, "I will place the reality of the working generation at the very center of policy. In particular, for rent, which is a heavy burden, I want to create a 'public rent subsidy system' that provides support similar to the mortgage tax deduction, to support daily household finances and future challenges. Neither right nor left, I will lead politics that stays close to your anxieties with young power starting from daily life."

Former House of Representatives member Sakai: "Politics that is kind to women and rooted in the lives of citizens, together with everyone"

She called out, "As a nurse and midwife, and as a mother of one child, I have delivered the voices of the field that are hard to reach to the Diet. Regarding the increase in the high-cost medical expense system that the government is promoting as a reconsideration plan, we have set its suppression as our campaign pledge. I want to advance politics that is kind to women and rooted in the lives of citizens together with you, and realize a society where you can truly feel at ease."

Former House of Representatives members Harumi Yoshida and Eriko Omori, who served as moderators, emphasized to the gathered audience, "To protect the lives of each and every person, we will deliver policies speedily." Touching on the results of a sticker survey conducted on the street, they stated that they would surely turn the earnest voices of citizens seeking measures against high prices and political reform into the policies of the Centrist Reform Coalition.