The question is what policies are to be implemented rather than who should be cabinet members

Japan Press Weekly

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The question is what policies are to be implemented rather than who should be cabinet members
- Akahata ‘Current’ column

Fujii Hirohisa reportedly offered his resignation as Finance Minister to Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio “solely for health reasons.” At 77, he was the oldest of all cabinet members. However, at the Nagatacho district, politicians are reluctant to buy into the explanation that he was stepping down because of his health problems.

People are whispering that “friction” with Ozawa Ichiro, ruling Democratic Party secretary general, was the main reason that compelled Fujii to resign.

They also say that the criterion used for the selection of Fujii’s successor was his supposed “distance” from Ozawa.

Reporters demanded to know if Hatoyama had discussed who would replace Fujii as Finance Minister.

It seems certain that the present government is functioning with Ozawa at its center.

However, apart from politicians’ concern about “rumors that they cannot stifle,” one cannot think of the Cabinet members’ seating in the Ordinary Session of the Diet from January 18 without feeling a sense of loss.

The budget proposed for fiscal 2010 starting on April 1 relies on a huge debt and so-called “buried money” on an unprecedented scale. It is necessary to change the taxation and fiscal structures before finalizing the budget.

One of the key persons responsible for the budget draft will not attend the parliamentary deliberation on the budget.

Friction between Fujii and Ozawa has arisen over Ozawa’s alleged acceptance of suspicious cash donations.

The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office is reportedly asking Ozawa to explain his possible involvement in the alleged suspicious land deals.

Ozawa asserted that the most effective way to defend himself is to continue to hold on to power through strength.

The government is running around more confusedly than ever.

Government Revitalization Minister Sengoku Yoshito, who has also been named as National Strategy Minister, says the next government budget will not be finalized without a tax reform that includes a consumption tax increase.

All this convinces us that we are right in demanding a clarification of policies rather than focusing on the government lineup of ministers.

- Akahata, January 8, 2010