石破いしば首相しゅしょう 消費しょうひ税率ぜいりつ引き下ひきさげ “財政ざいせい事情じじょう踏ふまえた対策たいさくを検討けんとう”

A focused deliberation was held in the House of Representatives Budget Committee in the National Diet.

Regarding measures against rising prices, while the Constitutional Democratic Party called for a temporary reduction in the consumption tax rate on food items, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, I dont think we should only discuss the convenient parts, indicating that he intends to consider effective measures, taking into account the difficult fiscal situation and other factors.

On the morning of the 12th, at the House of Representatives Budget Committee, an intensive deliberation was held on various domestic and international issues, attended by Prime Minister Ishiba and others.

Mr. Masayoshi Shintani of the Liberal Democratic Party said regarding the Trump administration’s tariff measures, “We must communicate that these tariff measures will harm the prosperity of both countries, and we need to consider how we can maintain our nation’s industrial strength.”

I asked, Wouldnt it be necessary to take additional measures depending on future developments?

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, It is important for Japan and the United States to work together to create something better, and we are seeking the removal of tariff measures.

In addition, in order to avoid any immediate impact, the government will take all necessary measures, and while closely monitoring the lives of the people, will not hesitate to implement additional measures if necessary, he said.

Mr. Kensuke Onishi of the Constitutional Democratic Party said regarding measures against rising prices, Even though there is no smoke rising from the peoples hearths, is it okay for politics to do nothing?

The Constitutional Democratic Party has proposed a plan to reduce the consumption tax rate on food to zero percent, in principle, for one year only.

Countries around the world are working on this, so why arent we considering it? he pressed.

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba said, Of course we are discussing what would be the most appropriate way to address the hardships faced by peoples daily lives.

Some countries have lowered the tax rate only for groceries, but all of them have set high tax rates overall and have much better fiscal conditions compared to Japan.

I absolutely do not think its acceptable to have a discussion where we only take the good parts, given our countrys extremely poor fiscal situation and the advancing aging population, he said.

On the other hand, regarding the pension system reform bill whose submission to the Diet has been postponed, Prime Minister Ishiba indicated that the bill would be submitted in mid-month as soon as the ruling party completes its final procedures.

In addition, regarding the fact that Liberal Democratic Party House of Councillors member Shoji Nishida made remarks about the explanation of the Himeyuri no To, a memorial for the female students who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa, saying things like This is what happens when you rewrite history, and later retracted those remarks, he stated, I have a different view on his comments.