The Death of Liberalism in Japan
In Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Ab dissolved parliament and
called a snap election for October 22nd. Many Japanese view Ab’s actions as self-serving,
possibly to cover up scandals that he was involved in. Ab shut down the Parliament
after pushing an anti-conspiracy law that would expand surveillance power to
the police, possibly at the expense of civil liberty. Prime Minister Ab wants
to expand and strengthen military power in wake of the actions of North Korea,
some find controversy with this because Japan has a constitution that takes a
pacifist stance. Aside from this, Japan’s democratic party is floundering with incompetence
that plays right into the hand of Minister Ab. The democratic party of Japan is
now running under the banner of “The Party of Hope”, led by Yuriko Koike (governor
of Tokyo). Koike previously served in parliament with Minister Ab. There is speculation
on whether there is collusion between them cutting a deal, this would
ultimately undermine the benefit of having a two-party system. The danger of a two-party system, with a party that has a minute
portion of political power (Japan’s democratic party) spells danger for the
checks and balances system.
By: Mike Ziccarelli
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