(Japan, 23rd) The Niigata Prefectural Assembly in Japan on the 22nd approved supplementary budgets and related resolutions to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest of its kind. This decision has triggered strong opposition from local residents.
The public gallery at the assembly's plenary session on the 22nd was packed with around 300 people opposing the nuclear plant's restart. During discussions and voting, angry voices were frequently heard from the gallery, such as "Didn't you say the consent of the residents was needed?" and "Keep your promises!" The scene was at times chaotic, and security personnel repeatedly raised signs saying "Please be quiet."
According to Kyodo News, a member of the assembly opposing the restart criticized Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi at the meeting, saying he was "ignoring the voices of the residents and betraying their trust."
This criticism was met with enthusiastic applause from those present. Before the meeting started, many citizens gathered in front of the prefectural government building, trying to prevent the assembly from approving the restart of the nuclear plant.
A survey released by Niigata Prefecture in October showed that about 60% of residents believed the conditions for restarting the plant had not yet been met, and around 70% felt uneasy about the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company.
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) interviewed a woman in her 70s about the restart issue, and she demanded to know why the governor agreed to the restart when public opposition was so strong.
She said, "I still can't accept it... Is it really okay to make such a hasty decision?"
On November 21 this year, Hideyo Hanazumi agreed to restart units 6 and 7 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, and asked the prefectural assembly to hold a vote of confidence on both this decision and whether he should remain governor. On December 22, the Niigata Prefectural Assembly passed the supplementary budget related to the plant's restart and an accompanying resolution expressing confidence in Hideyo Hanazumi.