On December 20, DPJ Policy Research Committee Chair Masayuki Naoshima, made the following comment:

On December 20, The government decided on a second supplementary budget supporting economic stimulus measures. Two months have already passed since Prime Minister Aso's announcement on October 30, and during that time our country's economy has rapidly deteriorated. The employment situation has become especially severe, with many irregular workers in Japan losing their jobs every day, and at times even their housing. As Prime Minister Aso has been leaving these people out in the winter cold, he has been barhopping. It is no wonder the Cabinet's approval rating has plummeted.

The distribution of 2 trillion yen in fixed payments for which the purpose and expected results are unknown is nothing but "a waste of taxpayers money." Passing the task of determining income restrictions makes the government's purpose even more incomprehensible, and throwing taxpayers money equivalent to 0.4% of GDP for only a 0.1% economic effect (Cabinet Office calculations) is inane governance. Mr. Aso referred to high-income earners seeking to receive the fixed payments as "greedy," but the most greedy ones are him and the ruling coalition as they hand out cash to citizens so they can score an electoral victory.

The government is depending heavily on so-called buried treasure they have said until now did "not exist" for this supplementary budget and next year's budget. It seems as it were that they are adopting a scorched earth" strategy to use it all up before a change of government occurs. Using "buried treasure," which was originally like taxpayer money and social insurance payments, as funding for ineffective policies and election maneuvering is absolutely unforgivable.

Although the DPJ has not received the cooperation of the ruling coalition on its submission of the economic stimulus related bills to the Diet, the DPJ is willing to cooperate on truly necessary policies in government proposals. However, we resolutely oppose the fixed payments. If the government wishes to implement economic stimulus measures right away, serious consideration should be given to how a relevant budget and the submission of the related bills to the Diet would be handled.

It has become clear through the Cabinet budget compilation process that Mr. Aso lacks leadership. The Prime Minister-not to mention the ruling parties-is seeking pride from the people. But if he has any pride himself, then he should not cling to the Prime Minister's position, but squarely face the judgment of the people.