The Liberal Democratic Party, which fell from power in the Aug. 30 general election after ruling Japan for more than five decades, plans to adopt a new platform in late January. The party's study group in charge of figuring out how the LDP can regain power submitted a report containing basic ideas for a new platform to LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki on Dec. 15.
Without naming the Democratic Party of Japan, the study group said that the LDP will fight a party of "state socialism." With powerful DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa clearly in mind, the study group said that the DPJ — believing voters have delegated judgment on all matters to the party through the general election — has adopted a centralized decision-making process.
The study group declared that the LDP will pursue formation of a "dignified Japan." Calling for a market economy with autonomy and order and a balanced budget that does not place tax burdens on future generations, it said the party will seek to create a government "that will not do unnecessary things."