Overview

• CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda signaled readiness to co-sponsor a bill with Komeito to accelerate changes to corporate and group donation rules.
• DPFP leader Yuichiro Tamaki said he will invite Komeito to talks and push parties to rally around a pragmatic reform plan centered on DPFP and Komeito.
• Komeito quit the long-running coalition after the LDP rejected its proposal to tighten rules by limiting donation receipts to party headquarters and prefectural organizations.
• Noda, who advocates abolishing corporate donations, cast Komeito’s phased approach as a possible path toward elimination within several years and said opposition parties can align around it for now.
• Tamaki ruled out unifying an opposition candidate for the prime minister vote with CDP, citing gaps on security and energy policy and criticizing their earlier policy paper on nuclear power.