Key Facts
• On September 11, Jun Azumi held a press conference after a party meeting.
• Azumi, a veteran with 10 election wins, was appointed as the new Secretary-General.
• He served as Finance Minister under the Noda administration (2011–2012).
• Azumi previously held roles as Diet Affairs Committee Chair and Election Strategy Chair.
• In 2023, he became the first opposition Budget Committee Chair in 30 years.
• Azumi received hundreds of supportive emails, highlighting the party’s challenging situation.
• He expressed intent to use his 30 years of experience to rebuild the party.
• The upcoming extraordinary Diet session in late October will include a prime ministerial vote.
• Former Secretary-General Junya Ogawa prioritized nominating Yoshihiko Noda for the vote.
• Azumi emphasized focusing on reaching and winning a runoff vote.
Summary
Jun Azumi, newly appointed Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party, expressed his determination to revitalize the party during a press conference on September 11. A seasoned politician with 10 election victories, Azumi has held key roles, including Finance Minister and Diet Affairs Committee Chair. In 2023, he gained attention as the first opposition Budget Committee Chair in three decades. Acknowledging the party’s current struggles, Azumi pledged to leverage his 30 years of experience for its recovery. He also addressed the upcoming extraordinary Diet session, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a potential runoff vote for the prime ministerial election. Azumi’s approach contrasts with his predecessor Junya Ogawa, who prioritized nominating Yoshihiko Noda. Azumi’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the party’s future.
