自民じみん 消費しょうひ税率ぜいりつ引き下ひきさげ是非ぜひ議論ぎろん 慎重しんちょう論ろんも 野党やとうも主張しゅちょうで論点ろんてんに

In response to rising prices and U.S. tariff measures, there are calls within the Liberal Democratic Party to temporarily reduce the consumption tax rate on items such as food. However, there are also cautious opinions from the perspective of fiscal discipline, leading to a debate on the pros and cons of the measure.

Voices advocating for a reduction are also emerging from the opposition, and it is expected to become a major point of contention.

The rising prices and the U.S. tariff measures have prompted statements from both the ruling and opposition parties regarding the need for tax cuts or cash benefits as measures to alleviate the burden on the public.

The Liberal Democratic Party is seeing calls, particularly from the House of Councillors, to temporarily reduce the consumption tax rate on items such as food.

Next week, members of the House of Councillors are scheduled to hold a meeting and exchange opinions.

In response, Secretary-General Moriyama, considering that tax revenue is used as a source of funding for social security, stated that if we dont discuss where to seek the funding for social security as a pair, merely talking about lowering it will inconvenience the public, indicating that the pros and cons of the reduction are being debated.

Additionally, Komeito party leader Saito stated, Tax cuts might alleviate the burden on households and businesses and provide reassurance to the public as an economic measure, indicating that they will consider all options, including the consumption tax.

Meanwhile, in the Constitutional Democratic Party, two study groups within the party have each compiled proposals: one to temporarily reduce the consumption tax rate on food items to zero, and another to lower the tax rate on all items to 5% for the time being.

Representative Noda, who decided to raise the tax rate when he was Prime Minister, said, While measures against high prices are still necessary, I think it is one direction of policy.

He stated, However, we are observing the internal party discussions with an open mind.

Many opposition parties, such as the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, the Communist Party, and the Reiwa Shinsengumi, are calling for a reduction in the consumption tax rate, and this issue is expected to become a major point of contention in light of the upcoming House of Councillors election.