S/ Azumi Jun, Secretary-General, CDP / We created a platform that incorporates the centrist idea of shifting from politics that fuels division and confrontation to politics that promotes coexistence and inclusion.

The new party Centrist Reform Alliance announced its platform on the morning of January 19.

The Centrist Reform Alliance’s platform has five pillars, including a policy shift toward sustainable economic growth and building a new social security model.

Party officials explained that the concept of centrism means steadily advancing policies that put ordinary citizens first.

The new party was formed last week between the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party and the Komeito party, which recently broke off its decades-long coalition partnership with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Among basic policies expected to be released later in the day include calling for a permanent reduction of the consumption tax for food products.

While the platform did not explicitly mention energy policy, an area where the two founding parties differ, the basic policies will likely contain reference to aiming for a future society that does not rely on nuclear power.

As for national security legislation, Azumi noted that exercising the right of self-defense for national protection would be constitutional.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is scheduled to announce that she will dissolve the House of Representatives on the opening day of the regular Diet session on January 23.

She is expected to explain the reason for the lower house dissolution and why she chose this timing.

The Japanese leader is also likely to propose reducing the consumption tax for food products for two years, as agreed with current coalition partner Japan Innovation Party.

An official close to the prime minister said whether Takaichi can offer a convincing explanation would influence the election battle.