January 15, 2011
The Democratic Party-led government is now following the same path as the former Liberal Democratic Party government. This is confirmed by the appointment of Yosano Kaoru, former LDP senior official, to economic and fiscal policy minister in the Kan Cabinet on January 14.
Yosano Kaoru, 72, is a strong proponent of a consumption tax hike. He served as finance minister for the Aso Cabinet in the former Liberal Democratic Party-led government which was defeated by the DPJ in the 2009 House of Representatives election. After the change of government, Yosano left the LDP and founded the Sunrise Party of Japan with other former LDP heavyweights, including Hiranuma Takeo.
Yosano criticized the first DPJ-led Hatoyama Cabinet for lacking a “long-term financial outlook.” At a New Year party of the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) last year, former Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio stated that he wants to shift his focus in regard to economic policies to the needs of the demand side rather than those of the supply side. Yosano condemned this remark, saying, “By making a statement that could antagonize industrial leaders, how can the prime minister envision Japan’s economic strategies?” (Bungei Shunju, April issue)
With Yosano’s appointment to this key post, the Kan Cabinet has fully accepted his argument that the government must meet business circles’ demands.
By giving a ministerial position to the veteran lawmaker, the Kan Cabinet also wants to restore its leadership in the “twisted” Diet, in which the ruling coalition maintains the majority of the Lower House seats while the Upper House is controlled by the opposition camp.
Yosano has been calling for negotiations to be held between ruling and opposition parties in order to carry out a unified reform of social welfare programs and the taxation system. At a meeting with Prime Minister Kan on November 18, Yosano reportedly suggested that the prime minister frequently hold talks with other party leaders and set up a structure for policy consultations with opposition parties.
A middle-ranked DPJ lawmaker said, “By having Yosano as a member of its team, the Kan Cabinet is aimed at developing collaboration with conservative opposition forces. It is attempting to promote negotiations with opposition parties on financial issues.”
The DPJ-led government’s cooperation with the LDP is contrary to voters’ call for an end to LDP-style politics as expressed in the 2009 Lower House election. Yosano should have nothing to say if his participation in the DPJ-led government, which he once determined as a force to “overthrow,” is publicly criticized as blatant political corruption.
Yosano Kaoru, 72, is a strong proponent of a consumption tax hike. He served as finance minister for the Aso Cabinet in the former Liberal Democratic Party-led government which was defeated by the DPJ in the 2009 House of Representatives election. After the change of government, Yosano left the LDP and founded the Sunrise Party of Japan with other former LDP heavyweights, including Hiranuma Takeo.
Yosano criticized the first DPJ-led Hatoyama Cabinet for lacking a “long-term financial outlook.” At a New Year party of the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) last year, former Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio stated that he wants to shift his focus in regard to economic policies to the needs of the demand side rather than those of the supply side. Yosano condemned this remark, saying, “By making a statement that could antagonize industrial leaders, how can the prime minister envision Japan’s economic strategies?” (Bungei Shunju, April issue)
With Yosano’s appointment to this key post, the Kan Cabinet has fully accepted his argument that the government must meet business circles’ demands.
By giving a ministerial position to the veteran lawmaker, the Kan Cabinet also wants to restore its leadership in the “twisted” Diet, in which the ruling coalition maintains the majority of the Lower House seats while the Upper House is controlled by the opposition camp.
Yosano has been calling for negotiations to be held between ruling and opposition parties in order to carry out a unified reform of social welfare programs and the taxation system. At a meeting with Prime Minister Kan on November 18, Yosano reportedly suggested that the prime minister frequently hold talks with other party leaders and set up a structure for policy consultations with opposition parties.
A middle-ranked DPJ lawmaker said, “By having Yosano as a member of its team, the Kan Cabinet is aimed at developing collaboration with conservative opposition forces. It is attempting to promote negotiations with opposition parties on financial issues.”
The DPJ-led government’s cooperation with the LDP is contrary to voters’ call for an end to LDP-style politics as expressed in the 2009 Lower House election. Yosano should have nothing to say if his participation in the DPJ-led government, which he once determined as a force to “overthrow,” is publicly criticized as blatant political corruption.
