Hiding Public Eyes

Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, named it “Abenomics Dissolution.” In his press conference on Friday, the day he dissolved the House of Representatives, Abe defined the general election in December as referendum on his economic policy. Stressing that his strategy to get rid of demonized deflation was still in half way, Abe asked the public whether he could go on his own way. However, the public will answer not about economic question, but his discretional leadership.

It is obvious that the decision of dissolution was made related to determination to delay consumption tax hike. But, no single opposite party opposes that decision, because deteriorated situation of Japanese economy has been obvious to everyone’s eyes. What the people focus on is Abe’s prescription on it. As far as we can see, he has no intention to change the course, which is subsidizing old interests such as construction companies or big manufacturers.

Japanese people have well been aware of pessimistic view of their future. Former administration led by Democratic Party of Japan insisted that Japan would be bankrupted, if the national budget might not be balanced. That was a cause of their decision of raising consumption tax rate. Since Abe has not shown his own idea of get rid of fiscal crisis in the future, voters will not approve his handling of economy.

Focusing on economics must be a campaign strategy to attract public eyes to one issue. One thing Abe want the people to forget is his unilateral decision of exercising collective self-defense right. It was obvious that the United States wanted Japan to have more positive attitude in interpretation of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. But, it is unnecessary for Japan to reinterpret the Constitution in taking greater role in the operation for protecting Japan from other aggression. Abe took advantage of ignorance of American leaders in U.S.-Japan relationship to make a breakthrough in a long-time security agenda embraced by hawkish leaders.

Another issue Abe wants to hide is nuclear power resumption. Liberal Democratic Party had been hesitant to determine nuclear power as future energy resource. However, Abe approved nuclear power as an important base-load recourse in the Basic Plan of Energy this April. While great skepticism on nuclear power generation still exist in the public, Abe administration is resuming nuclear power generation as soon as the election ends.

It is fair to say that the dissolution and the election will be of Abe, by Abe and for Abe. Even how the decision of the dissolution is up to the Prime Minister, this politics is too discretional. Voters need to realize the meaning of the election.