Ichiro Ozawa, leader of Shinshinto, the largest opposition party, indicated Tuesday he would accept splitting the party if members disagree with his policy proposals.
In a joint press interview prior to the party's presidential election Thursday, Ozawa said implementing policy requires strong will and good cooperation. "If there are members who disagree with implementing the measures, they cannot stay in the same party," Ozawa said.
Although not directly stated, his remark is interpreted to mean that dissenters should leave the party. When Ozawa announced last Saturday he would seek a second term as Shinshinto leader, he disclosed a set of policy measures he would implement if re-elected for the two-year term. The proposals included greater Japanese participation in United Nations-led peacekeeping missions, as well as further increases in the consumption tax.