Irresponsible for Diet to End Session Without Tackling Iran Crisis

The ruling and opposition parties are already prioritizing campaigning for the July House of Councillors elections. It seems that they will end the regular Diet session without properly debating the crisis in Iran and the Middle East. Yet, that region has a profound impact on Japan.

As scheduled, the current session of the Diet ended on June 22. Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), announced on June 19 that he would not submit a resolution of no confidence in the Cabinet at this time. The interest of the ruling and opposition parties has now clearly shifted to the July Upper House election.

But is that the right thing to do? Israel and Iran are now locked in fierce combat. Moreover, the United States has just bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. Yet, the Diet has not been conducting intensive deliberations on this situation in any of its relevant committees, including the budget, foreign affairs, and defense-related committees.

Shouldn't our elected representatives engage in necessary discussions for the sake of the nation and its people, even if it means slightly extending the Diet session?

*Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi (©Reuters via Kyodo)*

Japan's Deep Interests in the Conflict

Japan is dependent on the Middle East for 90% of its petroleum. The impact of the conflict on national security, energy security, and the economy will be enormous. Meanwhile, US forces are currently being deployed near the Middle East. Closer to home, there is a risk that China could exploit any gaps in defense preparedness to intensify its military pressure in Northeast Asia.

Noda said that "there should be no political vacuum" due to the Japan-US tariff negotiations and the situation in the Middle East. Therefore, it seems that they recognize tariffs as such a critical issue. So, why don't the opposition parties call for an extension of the Diet session to discuss that and other international crises?

The same holds true for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Is he unwilling to answer questions from representatives of the people and openly exchange opinions with them?

In fact, the Prime Minister has not even delivered a report to the Diet on the G7 Summit. Nor has he taken questions from Diet members regarding the same. Is the government, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, oblivious to the international situation? Their attitude is very disappointing.

Unfulfilled Promises on Imperial Succession, Constitutional Reform

The current Diet session has also left many other issues unresolved. One is ensuring that the Imperial family has a sufficient number of members to provide for stable succession to the throne. Yet, the Speaker and Vice-Speakers of the Lower and Upper Houses of the Diet have postponed this discussion. It is imperative to reach a consensus within the legislative branch based on the paramount principle of male-line succession.

*The Emperor and Empress, Princess Aiko, and Crown Prince and Princess Akishino at the Imperial Palace on June 10. (Pool photo)*

Regarding constitutional reform, it was encouraging that five political parties — including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito, Ishin no Kai, and the Democratic Party for the People — presented a draft constitutional reform outline to the Lower House executive committee of the Commission on the Constitution. This plan would allow for the extension of terms for Diet members in emergencies. Nonetheless, it is problematic that the CDP rejected the LDP's proposal to set up a drafting committee for constitutional amendments.

There was lively debate within the Diet about measures to combat rising prices. But it was intolerable that each political party rushed to gain popularity with the electorate in anticipation of the upcoming House of Councillors election by offering handouts or a cut in the consumption tax.

What About Building Deterrence?

On the defense of Japan, there was far from sufficient discussion on how China should be perceived or how to improve deterrence. That gap was allowed, despite Chinese fighter jets' dangerous maneuvers toward a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol aircraft.

*A Chinese J-15 fighter jet makes an abnormal approach to a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P3C patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean on June 8. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Defense)*

Finally, although the pension reform law was passed, it was disappointing that there was no in-depth discussion on raising the basic pension. This was another disappointment from the just-ended Diet session.

(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun