Abe in policy speech pledges to study exercise of the right of collective self-defense

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Abe in policy speech pledges to study exercise of the right of collective self-defense

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in his first policy speech in the Diet on September 29 pledged to work to allow the exercise of the right of collective self-defense which will open a path to use force abroad by stating, "We will thoroughly study individual, specific cases."

By stating, "The present Constitution of Japan was formulated nearly 60 years ago when Japan was under military occupation," Abe also declared his intention to revise the Constitution and expressed his strong expectation for the enactment at the earliest possible time of a bill to establish procedures for the constitutional revision.

At the same time, Abe kept his mouth shut concerning his understanding of history and visits to Yasukuni Shrine.

As regards the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, he emphasized that "every effort will be made to make steady progress," linking relocations of U.S. bases and measures to revitalize affected local communities.

Abe stated, "I will put in place a framework that ensures constant communication between the Prime Minister's Office and the White House" in order to strengthen the Japan-U.S. military alliance.

Concerning education, which is the centerpiece of Abe's policies, he expressed his determination to pass at the earliest possible time a government bill to revise the Fundamental Law of Education. He said he will establish an Education Rebuilding Council under his cabinet with the aim of carrying out a series of adverse reforms including the establishment of a system to renew teaching licenses and the introduction of an outside assessment of schools.

Abe put forward the "'Challenge Again Assistance Measures' as an important task of my cabinet", but showed no intention of reversing the present policy of deregulation that has increased non-regular employment.

Abe stated, "I will work on the issue of the consumption tax with the posture of neither running away from it nor seeking refuge in it," thus implying that he will follow the policy of increasing the consumption tax rate.
- Akahata, September 30, 2006