Shizuka Kamei, head of Kokumin Shinto (People's New Party), the ruling Democratic Party of Japan's junior coalition partner, said Friday he is considering forming a new party, a move political analysts say is aimed at keeping the government of DPJ Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in check.
Opposing an increase in the consumption tax rate and other measures planned by the Noda government, Kamei told reporters that all-out efforts, combining forces in the governing and opposition blocs, must be made to work out countermeasures.
The administration "lacks a fundamental resolve to overcome national crises and is getting weaker," the veteran lawmaker added.
Prior to the press conference, Kamei told a meeting of his party that efforts to create an "all-Japan political posture" should be urgently promoted.