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On February 9, Prime Minister Naoto Kan engaged in his first Prime Minister’s questions since his appointment, and debated with LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi.
Kan called on the opposition parties to participate in cross-party talks regarding the proposal for comprehensive reform of social security and the tax system that is to be set forth by June. Both refused his proposal and instead called for him to dissolve the Diet and call elections, Tanigaki saying, “First, you should create a new Manifesto that includes an increase of the consumption tax, and listen to people’s opinions [regarding that]. I will not be an accomplice to your violation of Manifesto pledges.” and Yamaguchi commenting, “As Prime Minister, you should clearly take responsibility for breaking the pledge you made to the people.”
Kan criticised Tanigaki, saying, “That would just mean further delays in dealing with an issue that has been left untouched for many years. ‘First dissolve the Diet’ is an argument that puts party interests ahead of the interests of the Japanese people.” Regarding reviewing the Manifesto, Kan denied the charge that he had broken Manifesto pledges, saying, “We would like the people to take a good look at the new policies that previous governments have been unable to carry out, such as eliminating highway tolls, introduction of a child allowance, and individual household income support for farmers. We intend to carry out a review and announce our Manifesto proposal in September, which is the mid-point of the term of office for the House of Representatives. I believe that it is desirable for changes of government to be carried out following a judgement made based on the performance over a four-year span.”
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