Overview
- CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda and Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito met in a Tokyo hotel on January 12 and agreed to examine concrete forms of cooperation for the next Lower House election.
- Noda formally proposed election coordination, saying the parties’ basic policy direction aligns and calling Komeito a highly compatible partner.
- Saito signaled openness by saying he would consider the proposal positively and reiterated his vision of gathering centrist reform forces, including the Democratic Party for the People.
- Saito also described Komeito’s stance toward the ruling side as case-by-case, working together on policies that benefit people’s lives.
- Both leaders discussed the possibility of a snap dissolution at the January 23 Diet opening as reported to be under consideration and shared the view that a political vacuum should be avoided; no formal pact has been announced.