Prime Minister Ishiba Addresses the Diet
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered a policy speech in the Lower House on November 29th, acknowledging his position leading a minority government. He emphasized his commitment to collaboration, stating, "I will listen carefully to the opinions of other parties and work sincerely and humbly to reach the broadest possible consensus."
The LDP's loss of its majority in the October election necessitates cooperation with opposition parties to pass key bills, including the supplementary budget proposal. Discussions with the Democratic Party for the People are already underway.
Ishiba's speech reflected support for the DPP's policy to raise the minimum annual earnings threshold for income tax, the "1.03 million yen ($6,890) barrier." He also indicated a willingness to study and potentially reduce the gasoline tax.
Looking to the future, Ishiba acknowledged the Lower House election results as a rebuke of the LDP's political fund scandal and stance on reform. He pledged to advance discussions on abolishing policy activity expenses and establishing a third-party organization to audit political funds. However, he did not mention abolishing corporate and organizational donations, a key demand of the main opposition party.
In foreign policy, Ishiba reaffirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and expressed his desire for frank discussions with President-elect Trump. He also emphasized communication with China and reducing the base burden on Okinawa and other prefectures.
Domestically, Ishiba focused on disaster preparedness, indicating plans to double the pace of installing air conditioning in evacuation centers.
The extraordinary Diet session will continue until December 21st, with a question period for party leaders scheduled for December 2nd to 4th. Both the Lower House and Upper House Budget Committee meetings will be held on December 5th and 6th, with all Cabinet ministers in attendance.