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Diet Affairs Committee Chairs from the ruling and opposition parties met inside the Diet building on the afternoon of April 16 and largely agreed to set up a special committee to discuss legislation related to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems, including the increase in consumption tax.
Following the meeting, DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chair Koriki Jojima reported that a proposal had been made to set up a special committee to conduct all-inclusive deliberations on 11 bills related to the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems. He said that despite comments from opposition parties, including the statement that “a careful examination is needed to conduct all-inclusive deliberations on the 11 bills” and “rules need to be created to assure that sufficient discussions can take place,” a broad agreement was reached to set up a special committee. In terms of the purpose of the special committee, he explained that, “The bills related to the taxation system include not only the consumption tax increase but also income tax and asset tax. In particular, the legislation provides that consumption tax revenues will be allocated in full to social security, excluding the current local consumption tax. A mechanism within the Diet is therefore needed to promote the public’s understanding that this is a comprehensive reform.” He said that creative efforts are required to conduct all-inclusive discussions of the 11 bills, and that the DPJ will present a proposal to the other parties for discussion regarding the ways of proceeding with the deliberations. He underscored that he would like to “start the deliberations at the earliest date possible.”
At the same time, Jojima disclosed that he had requested the early start of deliberations on legislation for the establishment of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency.
DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Deputy Chair Takeaki Matsumoto was also present at the meeting.
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