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2014/09/09
Kaieda vows “during the extraordinary Diet session, the DPJ will engage in a debate to secure the lives of the people”
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On September 9, DPJ President Banri Kaieda held his regular press conference.
(1) Regarding the meeting of the Election Campaign Headquarters for the Unified Local Elections held on the same day, Kaieda stated that preparations for the unified local elections were a priority for the party. He said, “We have now entered Phase Two of the preparations. At the meeting, we affirmed that we would make utmost efforts to secure a victory in the unified local elections.”
(2) Referring to the downward revision of the first preliminary estimates of Japan’s April-June GDP to -7.1%, Kaieda stated, “GDP contraction was expected to some degree due to the rush of demand before the consumption tax increase. As it turns out, GDP shrank an annualized 7.1%.” Noting that private and housing spending was down, Kaieda made a request regarding the government’s response, saying, “The government needs to carefully work on its economic measures.”
Concerning the yen’s depreciation to 106 yen to the dollar, Kaieda said, “A weak yen has enormous impact on the people’s Gasoline prices increase. Raw material expenses spiral, and food and other prices rise. Kerosene prices are also a concern in colder regions.” Kaieda emphasized that “During the extraordinary Diet session, the DPJ will engage in a debate to secure the lives of the people.”
(3) With regard to the announcement by the Chairman of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) on resuming recommending political donations, Kaieda questioned the Abe administration’s quick decision to abolish the special reconstruction corporation tax to raise funds for reconstruction, as well as the administration’s decision on September 5 to have the Keidanren Chairman rejoin as a member of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. Kaieda noted, “As tax reform is set to get under way, Keidanren is strongly seeking a lower effective corporate tax rate. This is not the time to be resuming political donations with a focus on the Liberal Democratic Party.” He criticized, “If the companies have funds to spare, they should raise people’s wages. Real wages have declined for 13 consecutive months. Moreover, companies should give regular employment contracts to people employed under irregular contracts.”
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