'Basic policy' on secret funds to legalize diversion of tax

The government on June 24 announced a "basic policy" on secret Cabinet Secretariat's funds which are free of audits. Akahata on June 26 pointed out that the policy will allow tax money to be officially diverted to parties or politicians.

The policy provides that the secret funds are for "promoting policies," "research," and "activity support." However, it does not specify what kind of expense fits each category.

The internal cabinet documents that the Japanese Communist Party revealed in April stated money from the secret funds were given to Liberal Democratic Party members for their political activities as well as to opposition party members ostensibly "for smooth Diet steering," which was actually used for buying suits.

In the "basic policy," those expenses will be approved based on the chief cabinet secretary's judgment.

The "basic policy" also provides that how the secret funds are spent must be recorded. The record, however, does not always have to include the recipients' name in case "it may cause any trouble."

Apparently, the government is unwilling to regulate unclear uses of secret funds, which can also be called "bribe money of political power." It shows the nature of the Koizumi Cabinet which tries to preserve the bribe system in order to maintain power, Akahata stated. (end)