Japan Opposition DPFP Sees Need to Change Strategy

Tokyo, April 5 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese opposition Democratic Party for the People said Sunday that it sees the need to change its strategy after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s huge election victory in February. “It has become difficult to realize policies by negotiating with a minority ruling party,” the DPFP said in its 2026 activity policy adopted at a regular party convention in Tokyo. The party set a “must-achieve” target of doubling the number of local assembly members to 700 in preparation for unified local elections in spring 2027. “We’ll double the number of local assembly members, win the 2028 House of Councillors election and enhance the party’s bargaining power,” party leader Yuichiro Tamaki said in a speech. “Now that (Prime Minister Sanae) Takaichi’s administration has won a sweeping victory in the House of Representatives election, we’re honestly having a tough time,” he said, stressing the need to improve the party’s fundamental strength. While Takaichi’s LDP won a two-thirds majority in the all-important lower chamber in the February election, the DPFP added only one seat to its pre-election strength of 27 seats. Before the general election, the DPFP produced some policy achievements, such as a hike in the income tax threshold. But its influence has diminished due to the emergence of the dominant ruling party. Even when the DPFP demanded a revision to the fiscal 2026 regular draft budget, the administration showed no sign of accepting the request. At the convention, the party decided to review its platform and policies, given that five years have passed since its establishment. It will set up a team including young lawmakers to conduct a full review by year-end, the activity policy said. At a press conference after the convention, Tamaki discussed his party’s approach to the Takaichi administration, stating, “We’ll cooperate beyond the boundary of ruling and opposition parties where we can to realize policies.” He also expressed a desire to expand the party’s presence while gaining further trust from the public and to eventually take part in the national government as a ruling party. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]