Mono-color Party Painted Abe

Liberal Democratic Party held annual national convention in Tokyo on Sunday. To take advantage of popularity of President of the party, or Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe as long as possible, the party extended the term of President from six years to nine. Secretary General of LDP told that the successor of Abe would be Abe. The party is painted with mono-color of one leader, reminding of pre-war Germany occupied with portraits of a leader with small mustache and flags of swastika.

In the speech of national convention, Abe insisted on amendment of Constitution of Japan. “Liberal Democratic Party will lead detailed discussion for initiating constitutional amendment. That is historical mission of LDP,” told Abe. Supported by overwhelming majority in both Houses in the Diet, Abe appealed his leadership for winning four consecutive elections of both Houses.

On economy, Abe listed actual achievements convenient for him, such as increasing 1.7 million jobs in these four years or additional ¥22 trillion of additional fiscal income based on improvement of worker’s salary. He promised to improve social security and drive positive circulation of growth and distribution.

The extension of the term of President enables Abe to be Prime Minister with the longest time in the seat ever. He will catch up Taro Katsura, Prime Minister in pre-war Japan with 2,886 days on the position, in November 2019. To maintain stable regime and make legacy for longest administration, Abe is supposed not to dissolve House of Representatives until the latter half of next year with a hope of maintaining political freehand.

No one looks like challenging that strong leader. Former Minister of Defense, Shigeru Ishiba, did not make his idea clear for running for next presidential election, while revealing negative impression on no competition in the election or no discussion over the policies. Expecting smooth presidential abdication, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Fumio Kishida, does not show any opposition to Abe regime.

In this political world without enemy, policies have been decided mainly in Prime Minister’s Official Residence, or Kantei. No vigorous discussion was made for abdication of Emperor Akihito in LDP, considering request of “calm discussion” from Prime Minister. To cover up possible inappropriate relationship between Abe and an owner of educational corporation who tried to establish Shinzo Abe Memorial Elementary School, LDP is blocking having testimony of the owner in the Diet. The party is filled with blind follower for Abe’s leadership.