Policies Ahead

Following a landslide victory in the Lower House election, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had a press conference on February 9th. She stressed her intention to implement policies, which she had already announced, including consideration of consumption tax cut or constitutional amendment. To reinforce her administration, Takaichi asked Japan Innovation Party (JIP) to join her cabinet. 

To discuss consumption tax cut, Takaichi is going to establish a “national conference,” which would consist of lawmakers beyond party line. She hopes to discuss her idea that consumption tax rate will be zero on foods for two years without issuing governmental bonds for it. JIP has the same policy. The conference will be participated by parties which can accept introduction of refundable tax credit. Takaichi aims at wrapping up an interim report by early summer.

 

On enhancement of controlling intelligence in the government, Takaichi is going to establish National Intelligence Bureau by upgrading current Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office. She is going to submit a bill related to the reform of governmental section to the Diet convoked on February 18th. She is also preparing another bill for setting up Japanese version of the Committee on Foreign Investment of the United States to reinforce oversight on foreign investment to Japan.

 

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) obtained two-third majority in the Lower House, which is required for the House to initiate constitutional amendment. With LDP’s coalition partner, JIP, which is far active in amending the constitution, Takaichi is ambitious to conclude discussion over the constitution. “Based on former discussion, I am determined to grapple with establishing an environment for initiating constitutional amendment and holding national referendum as soon as possible,” said Takaichi in her press conference.

 

The Constitution of Japan requires two-thirds majority in each House to initiate constitutional amendment. Although the LDP has it in the Lower House, the party is in short of it in the Upper House, even if it is successful to get support from other parties such as JIP and the Democratic Party for the People. Ultra-right Sanseito opposes LDP’s idea for the amendment, because it includes restriction of human rights of the people in the clause for emergency.

 

Before the conference, Takaichi had a meeting with the leader of JIP, Hirofumi Yoshimura, and agreed on maintaining leading coalition between LDP and JIP. Takaichi asked JIP to join her cabinet and Yoshimura basically accepted that offer. They reconfirmed their utmost effort to implement the policy agreement last October, which includes reduction of seats in the House of Representatives or regulation of political funds. Victory in the election does not seem to have given Takaichi unilateral power to promote her own agenda.

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