Eulogy For Abe Delivered By Former Rival In Diet
A eulogy for former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was read at a plenary session of the Lower House of the country's Diet on Tuesday.
Abe was fatally shot in July while making a campaign speech in western Japan.
Former Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko of the Constitutional Democratic Party delivered the address as Abe's wife and others looked on.
Noda, who held office just before Abe took up his second term as prime minister, said that he shared with his successor a familiarity with the pressures and loneliness of the top office. He said he had been saddened by Abe's untimely death and offered condolences.
Noda recounted his memories of a Diet debate in November 2012 in which he announced the dissolution of the Lower House in preparation for a general election.
He said he will never forget the look of surprise on then opposition leader Abe's face when he stated clearly the date of the dissolution, and the fierce verbal exchange that followed. He said it was unforgettable because it was a fight in earnest, with sparks flying, between party leaders with everything at stake.
Noda said he wanted to have a serious debate like that again with Abe in the Diet of the hereafter. He called on Abe to gear up for another fight, instead of winning and getting away.
Noda noted that Abe is destined to stand forever in the annals of history because he was in power for so long.
He said although it's for history to judge Abe, he himself would continue to point to Abe's legacy, saying that only the power of words can overcome the madness of violence.
Noda wrapped up his speech with a call to lawmakers to protect free speech.