June 8, 2010

Social Democratic Party parliamentarian Tsujimoto Kiyomi on June 6 hinted at supporting an increase in the consumption tax rate.

She said on a TV debate program, “The whole taxation system, including the progressive rate of the income tax, needs to be reviewed, and in this process, the consumption tax should be discussed without hindrance.”

“After joining the ruling coalition, I realized the reality (of budget constraints),” she said, indicating that the state budget is severely limited.

Tujimoto resigned as vice minister of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry after the SDP left the ruling coalition.
- Akahata, June 8, 2010