 Business circles to buy security policy with money-for-politics The Japan Business Federation (JBF or Nippon Keidanren) on November 24 published an update of its "policy priorities," which it wants political parties to carry out in return for cash in donation. The JBF has added promotion of strategic security and diplomacy in response to changing the situation in Japan and abroad to its wish list. The new version also calls for cuts in corporate taxes, and a gradual increase in the consumption tax remains in the "policy priorities." Concerning the country's social services, the JBF suggests that welfare program be eliminated whenever possible in the name of self-help and that these services be funded by a consumption tax increase in order to reduce the burdens imposed on corporations. Since September 2003, the JBF has set ten "policy priorities" to show its member companies as guidelines to make donations to political parties. Based on these "policy priorities," it has rated the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan in a "report card" as a lever to put pressure on the two parties to accommodate the JBF expectations. This is nothing but a money-for-politics scheme, reported Akahata on November 25. (end) |