After win, Abe calls for debate on Japan constitution

AFP, TOKYO: An emboldened Shinzo Abe called Monday for debate on Japan’s pacifist constitution, which he said it was his “duty” to revise after scoring a strong win in weekend elections.
Voters backed the hawkish prime minister, despite a lacklustre economic performance, handing his Liberal Democratic Party and its allies control of more than half of the upper house of parliament.
Analysts say with the support of small nationalist parties, Abe may now have the numbers to push through a change to the constitutional bar on Japanese troops waging war.
“We have always set a goal of revising the constitution...that is my duty as president,” Abe said.

 

After win, Abe calls for debate on Japan constitution

AFP, TOKYO: An emboldened Shinzo Abe called Monday for debate on Japans pacifist constitution, which he said it was his duty to revise after scoring a strong win in weekend elections. Voters backed the hawkish prime minister, despite a lacklustre economic performance, handing his Liberal Democratic Party and its allies control of more than half of the upper house of parliament. Analysts say with the support of small nationalist parties, Abe may now have the numbers to push through a change to the constitutional bar on Japanese troops waging war. We have always set a goal of revising the constitution...that is my duty as president, Abe said.