Japan Press Weekly

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2007 May 23 - 29 [CIVIL RIGHTS]

Keidanren chair supports Abe’s plan to highlight constitutional revision policy in Upper House election

Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) Chairman Mitarai Fujio has given his support to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s policy of pushing forward a constitutional revision as the major issue in the upcoming House of Councilors election.

In a recent interview by Jiji Press, Mitarai said, “Most of the major policies that Keidanren is proposing are shared by the Liberal Democratic Party. Keidanren is advocating constitutional revision, and I believe it is a good idea to discuss in the election a revision of the fundamental law of the country.”

He also said, “Considering the need to ensure sustainable economic development and stable living conditions for the future, comprehensive discussions should be held on the taxation system, including corporate taxes and the consumption tax. Faced with the fierce international competition, business circles want the government to definitely put into practice the idea to increase the potential for growth.”

With this remark, Mitarai in effect called for the government and the ruling parties to further reduce corporate taxes and increase the consumption tax rate.
- Akahata, May 24, 2007