Democratic Reform Association forms following Centrist Reform Union split

The Centrist Reform Union has officially dissolved following a failed attempt to merge with the Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito. The split has resulted in two distinct paths for its former members.

Former Constitutional Democratic Party members have formed a new political group called the ‘Democratic Reform Association’ (Minshu Kaikaku no Kai). Led by Junya Ogawa, the group held its first general meeting with 18 members. While the group initially aimed to include 20 members, former party leader Kenta Izumi and Atsushi Oshima declined to join, with Izumi stating he was ‘not satisfied’ with the circumstances surrounding the split.

Meanwhile, members of the union who originated from Komeito have officially returned to the Komeito party. Following the dissolution, Representative Hajime Watanabe remains as the sole member of the Centrist Reform Union to manage remaining administrative and financial procedures.

A recent FNN opinion poll indicated that 54.2% of respondents viewed the split of the Centrist Reform Union positively, while 24.5% viewed it negatively.