“The most drastic reform since the end of the war” and “carrying out reforms from local regions’ perspectives” ― these are phrases from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s policy speech for this year, in which he used the word “reform” (kaikaku) 36 times.
This conveys to us his determination to address many tough policy challenges by taking advantage of the political foundation that has firmed up following the overwhelming victory by the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito in the House of Representatives election in December. To live up to the people’s expectations, greater efforts than before are called for on the part of the government to bring about concrete results.
As for the agricultural reform he referred to as one of his reform drives, Abe said: “The government will advance reforms to increase the incomes of those engaged in agricultural businesses. We will carry out the first reforms of the agricultural cooperatives in 60 years.”
In connection with reform of agricultural cooperatives, it has been agreed to abolish the right of audit by the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-Zenchu) over regional cooperatives and change the status of JA-Zenchu to a general incorporated association.
The organisational restructuring of Zenchu symbolises a breakthrough of “bedrock” regulations, yet it is nothing but the starting point for revitalising the agricultural sector. It is imperative to push for various agricultural policies simultaneously, including enhancing productivity.
Efforts must be urgently made to bolster the competitiveness of Japanese agriculture in preparation for a conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement negotiations that Abe described by saying their end is “coming into focus.”
Regarding economic policy, Abe reiterated the government’s plan to implement the postponed consumption tax hike to 10 per cent in April 2017. He went on to say, “The three targets of economic revitalisation, fiscal rehabilitation and social security reform will be attained simultaneously.”
Lack of concrete steps
However, he made fewer references to fiscal reconstruction measures. The government will put together concrete plans by this summer. Attention is focused on which portion of social security costs will be cut, and how. Such costs are the primary factor behind the deterioration of state finances.
The government should frankly explain to the people that the path toward realising reforms will be accompanied by such pains as an increase in their burdens and restrictions on welfare benefits to be provided.
The biggest focus in the current Diet session is legislation of the bills that reflect the government’s new constitutional interpretation to approve a limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense. Abe said the government “will continue the establishment of legal arrangements for security that will enable seamless responses to any circumstances.”
Establishment of a permanent law is called for to expand the international roles of the Self-Defense Forces and make possible the swift dispatch of the SDF overseas.
Referring to a statement he plans to issue this summer on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Abe stressed, “I intend to convey to the world that Japan will contribute more to peace and stability in the world.” We suggest that Abe listen to the discussions in the government and ruling parties as well as in the Diet about how a future-oriented perspective will be contained in his anniversary statement.
With 2020 commonly thought of as a goal year by Japanese people, Abe mentioned the government will make all-out efforts for reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. He also expressed his intention to deepen the “national debate” on constitutional revisions. He likely made these statements after taking the anticipated long duration of his government into consideration.
It is essential to make continued efforts by setting medium- and long-term goals. To this end, it is indispensable to steadily address the unresolved issues now facing the nation.
Editorial
(The Yomiuri Shimbun)
(Asia News Network)
