Early Convocation of Diet

The 190^th session of National Diet is convoked on Monday. It is the earliest convocation since 1992, when the Diet legislated its annual session to be started in January. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took advantage of political technology to leave an option to have simultaneous election of Both Houses this early summer. Failure or success in building coalition of the opposite parties may affect Abe’s strategy.

In the interpretation of Constitution of Japan, Prime Minister has actual power to convoke Diet session. While it determines that convocation of the Diet is a matter of state of the Emperor, Emperor’s matter of state is exercised with advice and approval of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is led by Prime Minister. That is why Prime Minister actually determines the schedule of the Diet. Combined legal interpretation allows Abe to have the double election on July 10^th.

Abe is going to do everything to improve political situation of his administration. At the beginning of the session, Abe Cabinet will submit supplemental budget to the Diet, which will be made for stimulating Japanese economy. The budget includes temporary subsidy of ¥30,000 to each elderly citizen with low income. The opposite parties criticize the policy as inappropriate distribution of tax money with little impact on economy. With great majority, however, leading coalition of Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito will pass the bill later this month.

From latter half of this month to the end of March will be the highlighted time for discussion over annual budget, in which every issue can be discussed. One possible topic is introduction of tax relief for food products in the introduction of new rate for consumption tax next year. The opposites argue that the tax relief does not have sufficient fiscal resource. Since My Number, exercised on January 1^st, was introduced for tax refunding, choice of tax relief does not make sense.

Democratic Party of Japan and Innovation Party established united group in the Diet. They are going to accuse Abe administration with assertion that new security legislation is unconstitutional. Japan Communist Party will join the line in the discussion. But, it is not easy for those parties to enhance its cooperation to the extent of raising common candidates in the election of this summer.

Abe also expects to take advantage of diplomatic schedule for his agenda. Right before the closing day of the session, Abe is hosting Group 8 Summit meeting in Ise-Shima region. Improved relations with South Korea or China may positively work for Abe. Watching closely at his supporting rate, Abe will make final decision on double election.