Japan Press Weekly

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2008 May 14 - 20 [POLITICS]

Ichida says LDP’s overtures to DPJ over consumption tax increase is dangerous

At a news conference on May 19 in the Diet, Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi criticized the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for making overtures to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan to seek common ground on tax reform focusing on a consumption tax increase.

Ichida was referring to an NHK debate program aired on May 18 on the new medical system introduced in April for the elderly aged 75 and over.

During the debate, LDP Secretary General Ibuki Bunmei called on DPJ Secretary General Hatoyama Yukio to hold discussions on tax reform focusing on the consumption tax rate.

Hatoyama said, “I don’t think that the issue of the consumption tax can be an immediate topic for discussion. But I know the time will come when it will become necessary to raise the consumption tax rate.”

Pointing out that the DPJ’s “Outline of Tax Reform” compiled last December calls for the consumption tax to be increased in the future, Ichida said, “The LDP and the DPJ are in agreement on the need to increase the consumption tax rate. The JCP has said that the two parties share key policies, and yesterday’s debate has corroborated our view.”

Stressing that tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthy should be cut deeply as well as the military budget, Ichida said, “The JCP is firmly opposed to a consumption tax increase, as it is a regressive tax that runs counter to the well-being of the public.” - Akahata, May 20, 2008