Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

TOKYO, Japan - Former senior Liberal Democratic Party members who voted against postal privatization bills advocated by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announce the formation of a new political party at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 17 in preparation for the Sept. 11 House of Representatives election. At center is former lower house speaker Tamisuke Watanuki, who heads the party, called the Kokumin Shinto.

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

TOKYO, Japan - Former lower house speaker Tamisuke Watanuki holds a card bearing the name of a new party he formed Aug. 17 with other senior Liberal Democratic Party members who voted against postal privatization bills advocated by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The Kokumin Shinto party includes former LDP members Shizuka Kamei, his elder brother Hisaoki Kamei, and House of Councillors member Kensei Hasegawa. They left the LDP earlier in the day.

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

TOKYO, Japan - Former lower house speaker Tamisuke Watanuki holds a card bearing the name of a new party he formed Aug. 17 with other senior Liberal Democratic Party members who voted against postal privatization bills advocated by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The Kokumin Shinto party includes former LDP members Shizuka Kamei, his elder brother Hisaoki Kamei, and House of Councillors member Kensei Hasegawa. They left the LDP earlier in the day. (Kyodo)

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

Ex-LDP critics of postal privatization bills form new party

TOKYO, Japan - Former senior Liberal Democratic Party members who voted against postal privatization bills advocated by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announce the formation of a new political party at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 17 in preparation for the Sept. 11 House of Representatives election. At center is former lower house speaker Tamisuke Watanuki, who heads the party, called the Kokumin Shinto. (Kyodo)