Takaichi Aims to Build Consensus on Tax Cut by Summer

Tokyo, Feb. 9 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that she aims to build a consensus among political parties on a consumption tax cut by this summer. At a press conference following her Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in Sunday’s general election, Takaichi said she will “rack my mind” to realize a two-year consumption tax exemption for food products as soon as possible. During the election campaign, the LDP pledged to accelerate discussions on the issue. She called on opposition parties to join a national council on social security reform and expressed hope that the council will reach an interim accord on a consumption tax cut “at least before the summer.” After the LDP won a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, Takaichi declared that she will take on the challenge of revising Japan’s Constitution. Such a majority in both Diet chambers is necessary to hold a national referendum on constitutional amendment. Meanwhile, the prime minister said she hopes that the LDP’s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, will take posts in her cabinet. Takaichi said she will continue to seek cooperation from opposition parties to implement policies. She also voiced her willingness to continue to seek the Democratic Party for the People’s participation in the ruling coalition. The LDP-JIP coalition still lacks a majority in the House of Councillors. Regarding the LDP’s slush fund scandal, Takaichi said she does not intend to claim that the election victory suggests public forgiveness of the scandal. She added that she wants party members involved in the scandal to “work at full power.” On the diplomatic and security fronts, the prime minister said she will visit the United States in March for talks with President Donald Trump. Referring to Japan-China tensions sparked by her recent remarks on Taiwan, Takaichi said she will maintain communication with China and respond to the situation “calmly and appropriately.” She also indicated a plan to submit a bill to establish a new national intelligence bureau during the next Diet session. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]