On 17 and 18 April, Hiroe Makiyama, a member of the House of Councillors, attended the international conference ‘Global Progressive Mobilisation (GPM)’ held in Barcelona, Spain, and exchanged views with political leaders from progressive, democratic and centrist forces across various countries, including the host, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. 

“The same phenomenon is occurring worldwide” 

Senator Makiyama stated that what struck her most strongly whilst there were the shared challenges faced by all nations. She pointed out, “It was astonishing to see such similar phenomena occurring in every country. The weak are becoming weaker, the strong are becoming stronger, and the middle class is weakening,” adding, “That discontent is being directed towards foreigners, and extreme nationalism is spreading.” She expressed her view that “inequality and discontent” lie behind the global shift to the right. 

“Our principles were not wrong” 

Meanwhile, she emphasized that the greatest outcome gained through international dialogue was ‘conviction’. ‘I realized that there are people all over the world who share exactly the same views as us. I became convinced that our principles and actions are by no means wrong,’ she stated. Furthermore, she stressed with conviction that ‘defending democracy, eliminating discrimination, addressing inequality and investing in education are not wrong’, thereby emphasizing the universality of the Constitutional Democratic Party’s principles. 

“The Significance of Party Diplomacy” 

Regarding this visit, she pointed out: “If the Constitutional Democratic Party had not gone, the world would have been left with the single impression that Prime Minister Takaichi’s views (as conveyed through the media) represent Japan’s stance. There really was a world of difference between going and not going on this occasion.” Through her participation in the conference, she highlighted the significance of party diplomacy, stating: “The Constitutional Democratic Party’s presence was very significant.” 

“The Key Lies in International Cooperation and Rebuilding the Middle 
Class” 

Regarding future challenges, Makiyama outlined two key directions. Firstly, she emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation, stating, “We need to strengthen our unity with those who share the same ideals. Building relationships where we can connect with a single phone call will form the basis of a cooperative framework for democracy.” 

Secondly, she stated, “We must bolster the middle class and reduce anxiety and dissatisfaction regarding living conditions. Furthermore, social stability cannot be maintained unless we eliminate disparities at the starting line,” adding that “investment in children is investment in society.” 

Cooperation among like-minded nations is a source of strength

She shared her impressions with Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez, who hosted this international conference, saying, ‘It was excellent to be able to hold bilateral meetings with people from various countries and to meet so many like-minded individuals—it was truly surprising.’ She reported that Prime Minister Sánchez replied, ‘When like-minded people come together and unite, that becomes a source of strength.’ 

Finally, Makiyama concluded by saying, “This has been an opportunity to reaffirm our conviction in the principles of the Constitutional Democratic Party and to clarify the direction of our international cooperation.” It should be noted that this visit was realized following an invitation from the Progressive Alliance, which comprises 120 political parties worldwide. From Japan, in addition to the Constitutional Democratic Party, Junya Ogawa, President of the Centrist Reform Alliance, also participated. It served as a significant opportunity for Japanese political parties to engage proactively within an international framework bringing together progressive forces from around the world.