Key Facts
• December 4: Niigata Prefectural Assembly held representative questioning on nuclear plant restart.
• Governor Hanazumi expressed support for restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant.
• Ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) backed the governor’s decision as “responsible.”
• Opposition groups, Future Niigata and Liberal Niigata, criticized the governor’s approach.
• Future Niigata argued only elections, not assembly votes, can validate trust in the governor.
• Liberal Niigata raised concerns over Tokyo Electric Power’s (TEPCO) involvement post-Fukushima disaster.
• Liberal Niigata is considering a no-confidence motion but faces LDP’s majority dominance.
• Governor Hanazumi emphasized minimizing division and seeking assembly judgment as “optimal.”
• December 5: General questioning scheduled to continue discussions.
Summary
The Niigata Prefectural Assembly debated Governor Hanazumi’s decision to support restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant. The ruling LDP endorsed the governor’s approach, citing it as a responsible method to avoid public division. However, opposition groups criticized the decision, questioning its legitimacy and raising concerns over TEPCO’s involvement given its history with the Fukushima disaster. While Liberal Niigata considers a no-confidence motion, the LDP’s majority complicates their efforts. Governor Hanazumi defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of assembly deliberation. Discussions will continue on December 5.
