Prime Minister Fumio Kishida underscored his resolve to incorporate a contingency clause into the Constitution, addressing scenarios such as military aggressions and significant natural catastrophes, alongside establishing a foundation for the Self-Defense Forces’ (SDF) legitimacy.
“We intend to seek public consensus on codifying the SDF’s existence and the contingency provision during Japan’s inaugural constitutional referendum,” Kishida articulated at the outset of a session on Wednesday convened by the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) Headquarters for Constitutional Revision Realization.
Kishida, concurrently LDP president, directed the headquarters to consolidate a summary of pertinent issues, encompassing the SDF stipulation, by the month’s conclusion.
The contingency clause aims to enable measures like extending lawmakers’ terms, curtailing private rights, and centralizing governmental power in crises such as severe disasters or terrorist threats. Presently, the LDP’s discourse pivots on the specific contingencies warranting tenure extensions for legislators and the management of emergency decrees enacted by the Cabinet during significant disasters. In Wednesday’s assembly, a decision was made to institute a new body within the headquarters to deliberate these matters.
During the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s tenure, the constitutional revision to affirm the SDF’s existence was a prominent topic. Kishida’s statements on Wednesday were perceived by some LDP members as an effort to garner conservative support ahead of the party’s presidential election in the autumn.
“The era of mere rhetoric is behind us. Now is the time to strategize implementation,” Kishida asserted at the meeting, reinforcing his dedication to spearheading the party’s constitutional amendment endeavors.
Kishida attended the session for approximately 40 minutes, engaging with opinions from attendees, including former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba, a potential successor.
Throughout his presidency, ending in September, Kishida has advocated for constitutional reforms. He has covertly convened with top officials at the Prime Minister’s Office to devise strategies, even post the ordinary Diet session’s adjournment in June, and the cessation of the Commissions on the Constitution’s activities in both Diet chambers.
Kishida’s directive to finalize the agenda summary within the month is perceived within the LDP as cognizance of the impending election. However, consensus within the party does not immediately translate into textual formulation or bipartisan discussions. Particularly concerning the SDF provision, the LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito, exhibits profound caution regarding amendments to Article 9, complicating efforts to forge common ground.
“What’s the rationale for broaching this subject now after three years?” a mid-ranking LDP member queried, reflecting on Kishida’s remarks with skepticism.
