Komura wants LDP constitution proposal ready for parliament session

August 16, 2017

TOKYO- Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party should submit its proposal for constitutional amendments to the next extraordinary parliamentary session, LDP Vice President Masahiko Komura said Tuesday.

"It's not advisable to throw away the timetable from the start," Komura said in an interview with Jiji Press.

Komura's comments came after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who doubles as LDP president, earlier this month signaled that he will not stick to any timetable.

Abe initially sought to have the LDP put forward its proposal for constitutional amendments to the extra parliamentary session, expected to be convened in autumn.

But he is now apparently focusing on winning back public support in the face of a recent fall in approval ratings for his cabinet.

Komura said the LDP should hold talks with its coalition partner, Komeito, and Nippon Ishin no Kai, an opposition party, about constitutional amendments. Nippon Ishin is positive about revising the constitution.

He did not rule out the possibility of discussing the matter with the main opposition Democratic Party. "There could be discussions with DP members who are easy to talk to," he said.

Komura reiterated his support for Abe winning a third term as LDP president in the party's leadership election slated for autumn next year.

"I don't think there is anyone else who can do better in the economic and diplomatic fields, the top priorities at present," Komura said.Jiji Press