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

Koizumi in policy speech calls for major tax increases and constitutional revision

Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro used his policy speech to the 164th Diet session on January 20 to stress the need to deepen public debate on constitutional revision and enact a bill to establish national referendum procedures for amending the Constitution. He also expressed his intention to vigorously tackle the swift revision of the Fundamental Law of Education.

As part of his policy of shifting heavier burdens onto the people, he called for a sweeping "tax "reform", specifically making clear that he is intent on accelerating the debate on increasing the consumption tax along with abolishing the fixed-rate tax cut system.

Following the adverse reform of the pension and nursing care systems, Koizumi called for a review of the medical insurance system with the intention to force the elderly to pay more for medical costs and reducing remuneration for medical treatment received by doctors and medical institutions.

Koizumi praised the past 4 years and 9 months of the cabinet's "structural reform," saying that it has contributed to economic recovery. But he stopped short of accepting the governmentﾕs responsibility for easing regulations on earthquake-proof structures required for apartment buildings. He had no words on Livedoor's alleged illegal moneymaking. He stated that his "reform" must continue.

Closing his eyes to the fact that his Yasukuni Shrine visits have led to Japan's worsening relations with China and South Korea, Koizumi just stated, "Even though there are differences and conflicts of opinion on some issues," the government will work hard "to establish future-oriented relations based on mutual understanding and trust."

On the Japan-U.S. plan to realign U.S. forces in Japan, Koizumi showed the intention to force local governments into accepting it.

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Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at a press conference on January 20 criticized the prime minister for going as far as to raise the issues of constitutional revision and tax increases. He went on to say:

"For the first time in a policy speech, he referred to 'a review of the consumption tax rate' and 'tackle drafting a bill to establish national referendum procedures concerning constitutional revision.' The JCP will respond to these plans with firm opposition," he said.

Although Koizumi was pressed to respond to the issues of the faulty earthquake-proof structure standards and the Livedoor scandal, he lacked any sincerity and sense of responsibility about these issues.

Koizumi has shown inability to break Japan's diplomatic stalemate. Contrary to his view that his Yasukuni Shrine visits are a 'minor issue,' this is a serious matter affecting the international order established at the end of World War II. Ending his Yasukuni Shrine visits is the only way to solve this problem."
-Akahata, January 21, 2006