自公じこう 経済けいざい対策たいさく 参院さんいん選せん後ごの秋あきの国会こっかいに向むけ補正ほせい予算よさん案あん編成へんせいを

The secretaries-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito held talks and agreed that, in order to implement economic measures in response to rising prices and U.S. tariff actions, it is necessary to draft a supplementary budget for this fiscal year to be submitted at the extraordinary Diet session in the autumn after the House of Councillors election.

LDP Secretary-General Moriyama and Komeito Secretary-General Nishida held talks in Tokyo on the 13th, with the Diet Affairs Committee Chairmen of both parties also in attendance.

In this context, in relation to the economic measures that both parties are considering ahead of the summer House of Councillors election to address rising prices and the tariff measures of the Trump administration in the United States, they agreed on the need to formulate a supplementary budget bill for this fiscal year to support these measures for the extraordinary Diet session in the autumn after the election.

Additionally, the Komeito Party reiterated its view that economic measures should include tax cuts and benefits while also taking funding sources into consideration.

The government and the ruling parties confirmed last month that they would not compile a supplementary budget bill during the current Diet session, but they will consider compiling one after the House of Councillors election.

On the other hand, at the meeting, it was confirmed that if the government submits the pension system reform bill—which has been postponed for submission to the Diet—to the Diet in the future, the aim will be to have it passed within the current session, which runs until the 22nd of next month.

Additionally, in response to the soaring rice prices and the need for further measures, it has been decided to request the relaxation of requirements such as the one that mandates the government to repurchase, in principle within one year, the same amount of stockpiled rice that it has sold.

LDP Secretary-General Moriyama: Policies that can respond to the economy should be considered, taking into account sources of funding. At a press conference, LDP Secretary-General Moriyama said, I am concerned about resolving the tariff issues between Japan and the United States.

It is expected that this could have a significant impact on our countrys economy, so we will closely monitor developments and carefully consider measures, including the tax system.

On top of that, regarding the necessity of tax cuts and benefits, he said, It is important to consider everything as an option and make sure to decide on the right policies.

Isnt it natural to decide on the most effective economic policy by considering not only taxes and benefits, but also financial resources and other factors, rather than excluding them from the beginning?

However, the consumption tax is based on the so-called three-party agreement during the Democratic Party administration, so if we are to lower the tax rate, it would be a strange discussion unless we also address where to secure the financial resources for social security.

LDP Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Sakamoto: “We will compile a supplementary budget bill at the extraordinary Diet session in autumn.” LDP Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Sakamoto told reporters, “The formulation of economic measures itself will be done before the House of Councillors election.”

In addition to the already decided measures to lower gasoline prices and electricity and gas bills, a budget will be absolutely necessary in order to further promote these measures effectively in the future.

He said, We will draw up a supplementary budget bill at the extraordinary Diet session in autumn.

Constitutional Democratic Party Secretary-General Ogawa: Too little, too late and irresponsible. At a press conference, Secretary-General Ogawa of the Constitutional Democratic Party said, We cant comment on the economic measures without seeing the details, but compiling a supplementary budget in the fall is far too late, and since we dont even know what the framework of the administration is, its irresponsible.

He said, I want you to do it immediately.

On top of that, As a party, we would like to prioritize urgent measures centered on setting the consumption tax rate on food items to zero percent.

I want to have thorough discussions so that we can gain trust both in responsible tax cuts that take financial resources into account, and in providing security for the future.