自民じみん 森山もりやま幹事かんじ長ちょう 消費しょうひ税ぜい扱あつかい“ポピュリズム政治せいじは国くにがもたず”

Regarding the handling of the consumption tax, LDP Secretary-General Moriyama, keeping in mind that the opposition parties are calling for a reduction or abolition of the tax rate, stated, If we engage in populist politics, the country wont be able to sustain itself, once again expressing his negative stance toward lowering the tax rate.

LDP Secretary-General Moriyama gave a speech in Nakatane Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, and regarding the handling of the consumption tax, he said, There is an argument that we can just issue deficit-covering government bonds as a source of funds for lowering the tax rate, but Japan already has 1,182 trillion yen in debt from government bonds and has no leeway.

If a country can no longer raise funds internationally, it will go bankrupt.

He said, We must be cautious when discussing tax cuts that are not accompanied by financial resources.

On top of that, as the Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party, I want to practice honest politics and appeal to the people to gain their understanding.

Even if by mistake, if we engage in populist politics, the country will not survive, and all the consequences will ultimately fall on the people.

I would like to be allowed to engage in politics where such things do not happen, he said.

Additionally, prior to this, Mr. Moriyama expressed to reporters in Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture, his intention to have government-submitted bills, such as the pension system reform-related bill submitted to the Diet on the 16th, pass the House of Representatives and be sent to the House of Councillors within this month so that they can be enacted during the current session.