Japan Press Weekly

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2012 February 8 - 14 TOP3 [POLITICS]

Social security is a ‘mine of waste’: DPJ Maehara

Democratic Party of Japan Policy Chief Maehara Seiji on February 9 described social security as “a mine of waste” during a Lower House Budget Committee meeting, lambasting the country’s social security system based on the principle of Article 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing the right to live.

He said, “We may have the image that we cannot cut back on social security programs, but they actually are ‘a mine of waste’. To find ways to cut into this area of spending is important.”

Maehara then cited the medical aid program for people living under government livelihood protection assistance as “a waste” and said, “These people pay nothing for medical treatment. All their medical bills are covered. They think they’re entitled to whatever medical care and medicines they want because everything is free of charge.”

Komiyama Yoko, health and welfare minister, agreed with Maehara and stated that the ministry will work on a plan to restrict eligibility.