Takaichi Differs from LDP Rivals on Fiscal Policy

Tokyo, Sept. 23 (Jiji Press)–Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday expressed a different stance on fiscal policy than her four rivals in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership race. “Issuing government bonds would be compelling if necessary” to finance measures to cope with rising prices, Takaichi said at a joint press conference with the other candidates. “I will adopt responsible and active fiscal policy to create a situation in which the (Japanese economy’s) nominal growth rate outpaces the increase in interest rates, while improving fiscal management,” she also said. In contrast, former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi said, “We should be cautious about issuing deficit-covering bonds.” He vowed to conduct “appropriate fiscal management that does not cause worries at home and abroad about Japan’s fiscal situation.” Takayuki Kobayashi, another former economic security minister, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed similar views. Agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi did not clearly address the issue, saying, “I’ll flexibly consider spending reform and how to use increased tax revenue.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]