Shiha Shigeharu: "The Liberal Democratic Party's overwhelming victory is by no means a blank check for Takahashi Asanuma to act as she pleases."
Recently, former Prime Minister Shiha Shigeharu, who was re-elected as a member of the House of Representatives with overwhelming support for the 14th time, gave an interview. Regarding the LDP's significant victory in this election and the perception that it was a "vote of confidence in the Takahashi administration," he clearly warned: "This is entirely different from a blank check."
The trust in the Takahashi administration is merely "expectations," not a license to ignore it
When asked whether he thought the LDP's victory meant that the Takahashi administration had gained the people's "trust," Shiha Shigeharu said: "I understand it as a 'trust' with 'expectations,' but this trust is certainly not a blank check, nor is it an authorization allowing her to act recklessly."
He emphasized: "The key lies in the evaluation of 'actual achievements,' which the Prime Minister herself should be most aware of. It cannot be assumed that one can do whatever they want just because they have obtained a majority of seats. Many policies within the party were not adequately discussed before the hasty dissolution of the Diet." He further pointed out that core issues such as the replacement sources for the consumption tax reduction, the "three principles of nuclear-free," and the "three principles on weapons exports" had not been thoroughly discussed before the election was launched, and he bluntly stated, "the actual evaluation of the administration has only just begun," urging the Takahashi administration to maintain self-discipline and not be careless.
The risks of consumption tax reduction are obvious, even elementary school students understand them
Regarding the consumption tax reduction proposals put forward by the opposition parties, Shiha Shigeharu also drew clear boundaries and expressed a clear opposing stance.
He bluntly criticized: "A tax cut without alternative funding sources will lead to fiscal deterioration, currency depreciation, rising interest rates, and ultimately inflation. This is a principle even elementary school students understand."
He reiterated: "Compared to this short-sighted tax cut, fiscal funds should be used for preventive medical care and other areas to help citizens avoid needing care, thus eliminating people's anxiety about the future."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856651614117387/
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