INTERVIEW: LDP Candidate Takaichi Focuses on Constitution, Security

Tokyo, Sept. 29 (Jiji Press)–Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, a candidate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election, plans to focus on constitutional revisions and diplomatic and security policies when discussing a possible coalition with opposition forces. “Attitudes toward constitutional amendment, diplomacy, security and economic growth strategy are important,” Takaichi said in a recent interview. “We’ll decide on the coalition framework before the parliamentary nomination of the prime minister,” she went on. “It’s very difficult to adjust (candidates for) constituencies, but we’ll discuss this carefully after forming a coalition.” Asked about measures to tackle inflation, Takaichi explained that a proposed refundable tax credit program is aimed at “reducing the burden on middle- and low-income groups.” She showed eagerness to discuss the abolition of the provisional gasoline tax surcharge and settle the issue of raising the basic income tax deduction by year-end. She also said, “We’ll expand subsidies to local governments and include in our planned list of recommended measures support for wage hikes and assistance to the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries struggling with rising costs.” The current administration of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, also LDP president, plans to form a nonpartisan consultative body for social security reform. On this, Takaichi stated, “Taxes, social insurance and social security benefits must be considered in an integrated way.” “I’d like to launch a national conference to discuss this,” she continued. “Each party would be invited to participate to reach an agreement.” Asked how she assesses the Ishiba administration, she said she will “take over what needs to be taken over and change what needs to be changed.” “I will respect agreements between the ruling and opposition parties concluded under the Ishiba administration because these are promises between public parties,” she also said. Takaichi vowed to accelerate efforts to enact a proposed fiscal 2025 supplementary budget to finance inflation measures by convening an extraordinary session of parliament at an early date. Dissolution of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber, within this year is “not what I can consider,” she said. Regarding Ishiba’s plan to release his view on the 80 years since the end of World War II, she said that the statement adopted by the cabinet of then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to mark the 70th anniversary of the war was “truly future-oriented,” making any further messages unnecessary. On a proposed ban on donations to political parties from corporate and other entities, Takaichi said, “Companies and organizations also have political freedom, and donations should be seen as a form of political expression.” She called for ensuring transparency by having transactions of such funds conducted through bank accounts. “Young people who supported the LDP during the Abe administration have left,” Takaichi said. Regarding policy issues related to foreign residents, she promised to “address problems that concern the public.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]