Four opposition parties demand redoing of supplementary budget

Four opposition parties, including the Japanese Communist Party, on January 22 jointly requested that the draft FY 2002 government supplementary budget be redrafted to include 12 points which they believe are essential for defending people's living conditions.

The joint document stated that the government proposal that will shift a heavier burden onto the people is economically ineffective, and urged the government to accept responsibility for the failed economic administration.

The opposition parties called for immediate steps to be taken to create jobs, relieve the unemployed, and help small-and medium-sized businesses. Their proposals include measures to strengthen the financial basis of the unemployment insurance system, increase unemployment benefits, create regional public-sector jobs, and end unpaid overtime. A temporary revival of a special credit guarantee system for small businesses was also proposed.

The opposition parties demand that funding for these measures be secured by ending or reducing wasteful public works projects.

The opposition parties called for a freeze on the government plan to increase health insurance policy holders' payment for medical treatment to 30 percent starting from April 1. (end)