Proposals Ignored

The first open discussion in the Diet between new leader of Democratic Party, Renho, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resulted in a bitter draw. While Renho tried to undermine the politics under the leadership of Abe by proposing as many policies as possible, Abe simply ignored them. The match was actually something made by unskilled opposite leader and unilateral Premier who refused to learn from different idea.

In the questioning to the Cabinet by party representatives in plenary session of House of Councillors on Wednesday, Renho focused on economic policy of Abe administration. “Abe has not achieved getting rid of deflation and positive circulation of economy. When will the circulation with monetary easing in different dimension, expansion of exports with declined value of Japanese yen and higher wage be achieved?” asked Renho. She required detailed review on Abenomics and application of “investment on human,” which was basic policy of DP.

To the questions and proposals from Renho, Abe answered with plain introduction of his existing policies. “Bank of Japan decided to introduce new policy for reinforcing monetary easing, based on comprehensive review. I understand that it was to achieve 2% target for price stability as early as possible. The government and BoJ are going to achieve powerful growth coordinated with each other,” told Abe. That was not the answer to the question at all.

Renho also criticized welfare policy of Abe administration. “Do not wrap up Japanese people as one hundred millions. There are ones in situations in which they are not able to be viable. Democratic Party goes for a society with diversity,” told Renho, criticizing Abe’s one hundred million mobilizing policy.

Abe replied with his ordinary accusation of former government led by Democratic Party of Japan. He accused previous administration as failed in improving treatment for nursery workers or raising subsidy for families with little children. Renho was disappointed with Abe’s consecutive denouncements as the answers for her twenty-two proposals.

In spite of the provision of Constitution of Japan that determines the Diet as the supreme state power, no lawmakers can stop Abe degrading it. If the leader of the executive branch ignores opinions or proposals from lawmakers, the Diet needs to defend itself with protests. Current situation of the legislative branch is occupied with unconditional admirers for Prime Minister. Ordinary democracy cannot see in the politics in Japan.