September 30, 2008
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo commented on Prime Minister Aso Taro’s first policy speech on September 29 as follows:
“Mr. Aso said, ‘Japan's economy will be fully cured in three years’, without acknowledging the government responsibility for forcing the public to endure the serious illness and without giving any idea as to how the country’s economic health can be recovered.
There are so many problems that the government must address, such as the discriminatory health insurance system for the elderly aged 75 and over, the increase in ‘working poor’, and problems concerning food safety, which the majority of the people want resolved. He said, ‘May my words be heard.’ But he gave no words that touch the heart of the public.
The policy speech is intended for the prime minister to state clearly his or her ideas about domestic and foreign policies. It is not for putting questions to a particular opposition party.
If the prime minister unilaterally questions opposition parties in a session that does not allow opposition parties to respond to questions, it will help to destroy the fundamental rules of parliament.”
“Mr. Aso said, ‘Japan's economy will be fully cured in three years’, without acknowledging the government responsibility for forcing the public to endure the serious illness and without giving any idea as to how the country’s economic health can be recovered.
There are so many problems that the government must address, such as the discriminatory health insurance system for the elderly aged 75 and over, the increase in ‘working poor’, and problems concerning food safety, which the majority of the people want resolved. He said, ‘May my words be heard.’ But he gave no words that touch the heart of the public.
The policy speech is intended for the prime minister to state clearly his or her ideas about domestic and foreign policies. It is not for putting questions to a particular opposition party.
If the prime minister unilaterally questions opposition parties in a session that does not allow opposition parties to respond to questions, it will help to destroy the fundamental rules of parliament.”
