Constitutional Democrats and Komeito form new party to boost declining support

The Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito have agreed to form a new party named "Centrist Reform Alliance." The new party's leaders, Yoshiko Noda of the CDP and Tetsuo Saito of Komeito, will serve as co-leaders. This alliance aims to leverage each party's strengths to improve their declining support and electoral performance. Political journalist Shiro Tazaki described the alliance as a "union to escape gradual decline," citing the parties' falling approval ratings and proportional representation votes. He highlighted the CDP's ability to field nationwide candidates and Komeito's strong voter base through Soka Gakkai.