Ryo Harada has been elected as the new secretary general of the Liberal Democrat Party’s Osaka Prefectural Assembly.
While the assembly has been divided on the “Osaka Metropolis Plan” that hopes to eliminate double administration by abolishing “Osaka City” and establishing four new special wards, Harada supports the plan.
A referendum on the matter is scheduled for November, with Harada commenting, “I want to operate this, steering widely toward agreement.”
On the other hand, the Osaka City Council has been opposed to the Osaka Metropolis Plan and compromises going forward are likely to be very difficult.
Harada emphasized the successful bid to host the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo, adding, “The benefits of uniting the prefecture into one control tower will be felt throughout the prefecture.”
He also expressed understanding of growth strategies, particularly an integrated resort including a casino.