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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Shii criticizes LDP's consumption tax increase plan

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on TV debate programs aired on September 4 criticized the Liberal Democratic Party for planning to increase the consumption tax rate after the election.

On a Fuji TV program, Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro said that with a long-range view, it will be difficult to manage finance without increasing the consumption tax rate.

Pointing out that the LDP in its election policies proposed an overhaul of the consumption tax and other taxes by 2007, Shii said, "House of Representatives members' term is 4 years. If the LDP does not clearly state whether or not it will increase the consumption tax rate, it is tantamount to asking voters to give the government a carte blanche on this issue."

On an NHK program, Shii stated:

"The Liberal Democratic, Democratic, and Komei parties only speak of a consumption tax rate increase when it comes to the pension budget. Why don't they demand that large corporations pay more?

Toyota in France is paying tax money and social premiums that are twice as much as in Japan and still making profits. Using 'international competitiveness' as an excuse to avoid increasing corporate taxes is the typical attitude of the LDP because it answers to the demands of business circles."
-- Akahata, September 5, 2005