Sharp Discussion over Policies

In an unusually early-convoked session of the Diet, sharp discussion over major policies of Shinzo Abe administration was taken place in both Houses. The opposite parties accused Abe of his negative attitude against the Constitution of Japan or his economic policy directed to enhance his political basis. Abe defended his agenda with ordinary explanation about the legitimacy of his policies. However, it is unclear whether the opposite will give fatal blow to the administration in this session.

The first seven days of a year is recognized as the period of cerebrating new year for the Japanese, welcoming God to human world with decoration of pine tree at the entrance of each house. It was highly unusual for Japanese parliament to show quarrels for two days in front of God’s watch. That schedule was decided by Abe in calculation of leaving an option of double election this summer.

The opposite parties accused Abe’s security policy. “Opposing the war legislation consists majority of Japanese people. We firmly require abolishment of security laws and repealing of the Cabinet decision to allow exercise of collective self-defense right,” said Keiji Kokuta, Chairman of Diet Affairs Committee in Japan Communist Party, in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. President of Democratic Party of Japan, Katsuya Okada, criticized Abe of his ignorance of a demand to convoke a session last fall, based on Article 53 of the Constitution that mandated Cabinet to do that with one-fourths of requirement in one of two Houses.

Abe disputed to the argument over security policy and constitutional issue. “It is not a war legislation, but the laws for deterring war and contributing world peace and prosperity,” said Abe. He insisted that constitutional amendment had been a firm policy of Liberal Democratic Party, less referring to constitutionality of the reinterpretation by Abe Cabinet.

Another topic in the discussion was tax relief for future consumption tax hike. Councillor Kiyoshige Maekawa, affiliated to Democratic Party of Japan, accused the policy as damaging low-income families. “While gasoline is necessary for all people, tax relief will be rather applied to caviar. Which of the two does support lives?” asked Maekawa with frustration over mismatch between people’s need and tax policy.

What the opposite parties focused on was to depict Prime Minister as a figure against the supreme law and people’s demands. So far as Japanese economy keeps its moderate shape, however, the people look like not noticing serious situation of Japanese politics. Discussion in the Diet is becoming mere façade.