The New Socialist Party will hold the 20th National Party Congress on June 13 and 14. It commemorates the twentieth year from foundation. Party members are determined to bloc political agenda of the Abe government, which attempts to make a worst historic turn of the country after the WWII, and build up with all might a successful people’s front of counter-offensive. Here I cordially ask readers of our newspaper for kind cooperation and support.


I SINCERELY ASK READERS FOR KIND COOPERATION AND SUPPORT


The New Socialist Party (NSP) was founded in 1996 as the former Socialist Party, which had maintained the principle of unarmed neutrality and defended post-war democracy, has been perplexed and eventually dismantled by intense attacks of political forces to rewrite the Constitution. The NSP was established in order to fight against wars and unemployment and for the constitutional principles.


Pro-Constitution Forces Debilitated


The NSP members have fought with full effort since the foundation. But we have lost the parliamentary seats. Pro-constitution forces have retreated seriously, compared with a time when the Socialist Party and the Communist Party had held over one-third of the seats in the Diets. The society has deteriorated to the extent we see today, though the NSP precisely warned 20 years ago.


In the recent local elections the NSP could manage to keep the incumbent seats in the assemblies. It involves now in mass movements, including one led by the Anti-War Committee of 1000, locally-based labor union movements and anti-nuclear power campaigns. The NSP members play an important role in extending solidarity actions in the communities they live in. I am proud of the seriousness and sincerity.


However, current political situation demands the party more intensified efforts than those of the past. The party’s capabilities nurtured for these years must be integrated into the campaign to surmount crisis of the Constitution. For this objective we will debate intensively on tasks and duties in the coming Congress. I would like to listen carefully to what you readers expect from us since you have supported and worked together with us.


Let’s Organize Nationwide Network!


Various mass movements have been staged against the government’s policies on nuclear power generation and approval of the right of collective self-defense. Civic movements have accused sharpening inequality and poverty. People’s objection to a construction plan of a new military base in Henoko, Okinawa, has brought about a success in organizing efficient resistance against the Abe government. Okinawan voters have changed governorship of the prefecture.


Except for Okinawa, anti-popular political forces have gained the majority of seats in the Diet at every election. Though a belligerent political party, the Ishin-no-kai, has been discouraged lately, similar groups prevail at the moment. I feel uneasy.


Many people seriously ask: how can mass movements be reflected in the state-level elections, like the experiences in Okinawa? How will an effective front be able to be organized by which pro-Constitution forces might be united and people’s expectation might be fulfilled? They voice pressingly.


We stand on a grave juncture. How can we counterattack effectively the Abe administration? It has declared that it will hold a referendum to amend the Constitution after the 2016 Upper House Election. For those who worry about the situation, time is critical.


The 20th Party Congress is significant. Let’s empower ourselves through various struggles. Let’s share our determination with supporters to formulate a political front to commit in the 2016 Upper House election. The task cannot be accomplished solely by our efforts.


Here I cordially ask people who support the NSP will involve in campaigns in the residential communities and workplaces to get united with our party.


June 2, 2015