自民じみん総裁そうさい選せん 候補こうほ者しゃが落選らくせん議員ぎいんらと会合かいごう 討論とうろん会かいや初はつの街頭がいとう演説えんぜつ

The five candidates who ran in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election attended a meeting with former lawmakers who lost their seats in last years House of Representatives election, and called for efforts toward the partys revitalization.

Additionally, the five also held public debates and gave speeches on the streets.

The five candidates who ran in the LDP presidential election were individually invited to a meeting held in the Diet, where they exchanged opinions with former lawmakers who lost their seats in last years House of Representatives election.

The five people called for efforts toward the partys revival, following a series of defeats in national elections.

Former Minister for Economic Security Kobayashi said, It is the younger generation that will lead the party.

Since using the word generational change might cause a backlash, I hesitated to use it, but given how cornered we are, unless I say something that strong, we wont be able to turn things around.

He said, We are taking on the challenge with a sense of urgency.

Former Secretary-General Motegi said, We have lost the trust of the people, which is the founding principle of our party that politics belongs to the people, and have lost talented personnel.

It is no exaggeration to say that this long-established major company is experiencing a rapid decline in performance and is on the verge of bankruptcy.

I will regain trust once more and deliver results, he said.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, This leadership election is a place to compete over policies so that everyone can definitely return to the Diet.

I seriously wonder if, without realizing it, being in the ruling party has caused us to gradually become out of touch with the people.

He said, To cultivate the ability to listen and the ability to express oneself.

Former Minister for Economic Security, Takaichi, said, I am determined to bring Japan back to the top of the world once again.

I have a sense of crisis that if we dont strengthen the nations power now, it will be too late.

Japan still has plenty of room to grow because it possesses remarkable underlying strength.

I am determined to ensure its growth, no matter what, he said.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi said, It is my responsibility to create another opportunity to work with all of you.

I want to create an environment where everyone works earnestly for Japan, facing forward and giving their all.

I will definitely create opportunities to utilize the expertise and passion you have for the sake of Japan, he said.

The issue of political funding has yet to be dispelled, and I would like them to act in a way that earns the understanding of the public, he said.

In the context of being a minority ruling party, all parties expressed a positive attitude toward expanding the framework of the coalition government, but differences emerged regarding the timing and approach to achieving it.

The five candidates running in the LDP presidential election gave their first street speeches in front of JR Akihabara Station in Chiyoda, Tokyo, starting a little after 4 p.m., following a public debate hosted by the Japan National Press Club.

In this presidential election, a speech meeting will be held in Nagoya on the 26th, and in Osaka on October 2nd.

In some cases, there is a possibility that the House of Representatives may be dissolved and a general election held, so I want everyone to work together to give momentum to the party, he said.

I take it positively as it means we are at a starting point where politics can move forward, he said.

On top of that, regarding the possibility of joining the coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, he said, The new president of the LDP hasnt even been decided yet, and there hasnt been any official request for us to come to the negotiating table, so its not something we should gladly jump into.

Its not at the stage where there are specific conditions like this or that, and first of all, its a matter of confirming whether the other party actually has such intentions or not, he said.

We are now in a situation where we must listen to the voices of the people who have entrusted their hopes to the opposition in the election, and I think this is a positive change, he said.

On the other hand, I would like them to clearly show what specific actions will be taken within the year, and to talk more about what kind of swift measures can be implemented to help citizens suffering from rising prices.

If policies to promptly help the people are implemented, of course I want to cooperate, and I can support a supplementary budget that includes such measures. However, to be honest, I cant see what exactly will be done within this year—its vague.