To speak of forgetting the past is to risk building the future on rootsless ground.

Shiho Shigeru: "To discuss the future, one must not forget the past"

As reported by Asahi Shimbun on the 13th, during a television appearance on the evening of the 12th, former Liberal Democratic Party prime minister Shiho Shigeru addressed questions regarding his abstention during the Diet vote on the consumption tax reduction and relief funding bill. He stated: "The conduct of a Diet member is intended to be accountable to the nation and its people. I cannot support something I do not believe in myself. However, as this was an internal party decision, we could not oppose it."

"I would welcome tax reductions, but where will the funds for healthcare and pensions come from? I cannot say I support it, yet I see no new sources of revenue. How can taxes be cut without identifying a new financial base?"

Reflecting on the introduction of the consumption tax during Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei’s administration, he said: "We engaged in candid discussions for dozens of hours at the time, when the tax was introduced amid severe fiscal constraints."

Given the criticism directed at him and others within the party, Shiho expressed frustration, stating: "Some say we should not dwell on the past. But how can we discuss the future if we forget the past?"

Former Prime Minister Shiho cast an abstention vote on the consumption tax reduction proposal and faced disciplinary action from within the LDP... He is poised to emerge as a key figure in a potential anti-Takagi movement ahead of the next presidential election.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881693875161088/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.