Japan Press Weekly

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2014 January 29 - February 4 TOP3 [POLITICS]

Shii suggests 2 ways to produce a ‘virtuous economic cycle’

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on January 29 showed Prime Minister Abe Shinzo two effective ways to give shape to Abe’s determination for producing a “virtuous economic cycle”.

Shii, in the House of Representatives plenary session, spoke in connection with a policy speech the prime minister delivered five days ago and presented two changes to ensure Abe’s intention: the cancellation of his plan to increase the consumption tax rate in April; and an overall increase in workers’ wages.

Shii warned of an obvious risk that the planned tax hike will trigger a “vicious economic cycle”. He at the same time stressed the need to carry out a progressive taxation reform based on the principle of ability to pay.

Prime Minister Abe refused to call off the higher sales tax plan but hinted at possible utilization of corporate internal reserves for a pay raise.

Regarding Abe’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, Shii criticized such behavior for severely harming friendly ties with Japan’s neighboring countries and demanded that Abe restrain himself from any speeches and acts that justify Japan’s past war of aggression.

Other than the economy and the Yasukuni Shrine, Shii also spoke on the state secrecy law, a new U.S. base in Okinawa, and Japan’s energy policies.

> PM offers runaway policies on his menu[January 25, 2014]