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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Government is responsible for stable job creation: Ichida

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi used his questioning on January 25 at the House of Councilors Plenary Session to demand that the government "take a lead in promoting the creation of stable employment in which everyone is duly treated with dignity and free from the policy of deregulation as a cure-all wonder drug.

Ichida pointed out that easing labor law regulations has led to a rapid increase in the number of low-paying unstable jobs under poor working conditions, while allowing "money mongers" to be rampant.

He warned that the widening income gap will imperil Japan's future.

Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro did admit the possibility that the rising number of non-regular workers or non-working people will lead to widening the income gap in the future, but added, "No clear widening of the income and assets gap has been reported."

Ichida said that many people feel that Koizumi's "structural reform" policy has brought about an "immoral society full of uncertainty," instead of a "society filled with confidence and pride" that the prime minister envisages.

Referring to the Livedoor scandal, Ichida criticized the Liberal Democratic Party and Prime Minister Koizumi for having supported former Livedoor CEO Horie Takafumi when he ran in the general election last year. Horie had boasted that "money can move men" until he was arrested recently on suspicion of violating the Securities and Exchange Law.

However, Koizumi refused to accept responsibility by saying, "My support of Horie in the election and the Livedoor case are different matters."

"The JCP, in solidarity with people of all sectors, will be at the forefront of the struggle to stop the Koizumi 'structural reform' policy that destroys the foundation of humane lives," Ichida concluded.
- Akahata, January 26, 2006