The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), led by Kenta Izumi, has declared its intention to pursue a change in government during the upcoming Lower House election. Izumi believes that the political funding scandal involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presents an opportunity for his party to garner public support and unseat the incumbents.
Izumi has outlined a mission-oriented Cabinet as an alternative, proposing a collaboration with other opposition parties focused on shared policy objectives. Despite initial setbacks in unifying candidates, the CDP has recently succeeded in forging a coalition with Nippon Ishin, the Democratic Party for the People, and the Japanese Communist Party to investigate the political fund scandal.
However, Izumi faces significant challenges in aligning these opposition parties on fundamental issues such as the Constitution and national security. Nippon Ishin and the Democratic Party for the People have expressed skepticism about the CDP's proposed coalition government, citing differing policy views.
Despite the LDP's declining popularity, the CDP remains relatively low in public opinion polls. Three upcoming Lower House by-elections in April will serve as a critical test for Izumi's strategy of uniting opposition parties and challenging the LDP's dominance. The outcome of these by-elections will influence the CDP's ability to capitalize on the political turmoil and ultimately achieve its goal of a change in government.