Korean media: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Haga: "Those in favor of constitutional revision exceed two-thirds in the House of Councillors"

"If we add up all political parties and groups supporting constitutional revision, the total will exceed two-thirds in the House of Councillors."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Haga emphasized her determination to revise the constitution during an interview with Sankei Shimbun on the 3rd, making the above statement. According to Sankei Shimbun, Haga said during a press conference on Japan's Constitution Day, as president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): "I will unite the strength of LDP members, party supporters, and allies to achieve this goal as soon as possible."

Haga has consistently expressed her intent to pursue constitutional revision, but passing the bill in the House of Councillors remains the biggest obstacle. Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of members in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, and must also gain a majority of votes in a national referendum.

In the February election, the House of Representatives saw a decisive victory for the LDP, which alone secured two-thirds of seats (316 out of 465), making passage highly likely. However, even if opposition parties like Komeito are combined, they still fall short of the two-thirds threshold needed in the House of Councillors (120 out of 248). Nevertheless, Prime Minister Haga believes that since most opposition lawmakers support constitutional revision, the required two-thirds quorum can be achieved to initiate the amendment process.

At a speech during the LDP’s 70th-anniversary celebration last month, Haga stated: "I hope to submit a constitutional amendment proposal next year," urging LDP lawmakers to begin discussions promptly. This is interpreted as her intention to advance some degree of constitutional revision before the next House of Councillors election in July 2028 and before her current term ends in September next year.

During the same public interview, Haga also mentioned she intends to prioritize topics that are more likely to gain understanding from opposition parties and the general public.

The four main issues currently under discussion within the LDP regarding constitutional revision include: explicitly stating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces; introducing a new emergency measures clause; abolishing electoral district consolidation; and enhancing education provisions. Haga stated: "All four themes are important and critical." After expressing her willingness to clearly define the Self-Defense Forces, she highlighted the urgency of abolishing electoral district consolidation and establishing an emergency measures clause, saying: "Considering real-world circumstances, these two points are particularly pressing." Regarding electoral district consolidation, she noted: "As a practical matter, it is extremely urgent—next year is the House of Councillors election year." She also explained the need to quickly establish an emergency measures clause, saying: "To respond swiftly to potential large-scale disasters or terrorist attacks that could occur at any time, the nation must be able to act rapidly."

On Article 9 of the Constitution, the LDP proposes retaining the entire text—including the second paragraph prohibiting the maintenance of war potential—while clearly affirming the existence and role of the Self-Defense Forces. In contrast, the Komeito party advocates removing the second paragraph and establishing a national defense force. At a joint consultation meeting held in November last year between the two parties, Haga responded: "We need to observe further."

Haga pointed out: "To advance discussions, maintaining contact with all political parties is essential, and public understanding is indispensable. I do not believe all issues should be discussed at the same pace."

Regarding the timing of submitting legislation and holding a national referendum, she said: "As LDP president, I strongly hope it happens as quickly as possible." However, she did not specify exact dates. Sankei Shimbun analyzed: "If aligned with next year’s House of Councillors election, the likely target would be to introduce the proposal during next year’s regular Diet session."

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864227234430986/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the publication.