PM Abe in policy speech shows strong determination to adversely revise Constitution

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PM Abe in policy speech shows strong determination to adversely revise Constitution

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in his first policy speech to the Diet on January 26 showed his strong determination to push forward the adverse revision of the Constitution, revealing the extreme hawkish nature of his cabinet.

He also emphasized his economic growth strategy to the benefit of large corporations and made known his intention to increase the consumption tax rate, clearly posing the danger of further aggravating the problem of increasing poverty.

Abe began his speech by saying, "It has become obvious that many of the basic frameworks, starting from the Constitution ... have become incapable of adapting to the great changes taking place in the 21st century. ... Now the time has come to boldly review these post-war regimes all the way back to their origins ..." Thus he denied the origin of Japan's postwar political framework established on the basis of remorse over its war of aggression.

Stressing that his government will study the issue of the right of collective self-defense in order to enable Japan to conduct overseas military operations, Abe said, "We should deepen our discussions regarding the revision of the Constitution."

His speech made clear that he will push forward for constitutional revision with the aim of turning Japan into a nation that wages wars abroad. He stated, "It is with keen expectations that I look to this session of the Diet to enact the 'Bill Concerning the Procedures for Revising the Constitution of Japan'."

Abe outlined economic and financial policies that fully correspond to business circles' demands. He set out the policy of reducing corporate taxes by saying, "We will promote greater investment by undertaking, for the first time in nearly 40 years, radical revision of the tax system as it applies to asset depreciation."

However, Abe refrained from touching on the issue of increased poverty. He simply restated his "challenge again" policy, referring to measures that lack concreteness as well as feasibility.

On the other hand, he clearly spelled out the policy of imposing heavier tax burdens on the public stating, "We will endeavor to realize a fundamental reform of the taxation system, including the consumption tax." He plans to start discussions on an increase in the consumption tax rate after the House of Councilors election slated for this summer and to formulate the concrete policy on this within FY 2007.

As regards education, Abe said he will submit to the Diet bills to revise relevant laws in order to match them to the adversely revised Fundamental Law of Education, thus taking steps to implement his policy of intensifying competition and state interference in education.

Stating, "The cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy is the 'Japan-U.S. Alliance for the World and Asia'," Abe showed his dangerous stance of being subservient to the U.S., including the policy of continuing the Air Self-Defense Force operations in Iraq.
- Akahata, January 27, 2007