Prime Minister Takaichi's policy statement speech draws criticism from opposition parties regarding funding source for consumption tax cut

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's policy speech on the 5th was met with a series of criticisms from opposition parties, saying that it was unclear how the finances for the consumption tax cut he was aiming for were unclear. Yuichiro Tamaki, representative of the Democratic Party for the People, appealed to reporters, ``We will seek a thorough explanation for the people and the domestic and international markets.''

Mr. Tamaki said, ``We agree on the direction of economic growth and strong investment,'' but pointed out that there is ``a lack of specificity'' regarding the sources of funding for tax cuts.

Mitsunari Okamoto, leader of the Komeito Party, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the prime minister's statement that there was "nothing to worry about" regarding financial resources, saying, "I get worried when someone says there is nothing to worry about. They haven't shown any evidence." Shunichi Mizuoka, the representative of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, criticized him at a press conference, saying, ``Not only does he have no desire to explain, he is making fun of him by telling him to 'shut up and obey the people.''

``I don't feel that any measures are being taken to address the negative aspects of the tax cuts,'' Sohei Kamiya, representative of the participating political parties, told reporters. Junya Ogawa, representative of the Democratic Reform Association, said, ``We need to discuss how effective tax reduction policies are in the face of inflation.''

Takahiro Yasuno, leader of Team Mirai, questioned, ``Is this an effective measure to combat rising prices?'' Tomoko Tamura, chairwoman of the Communist Party of Japan, criticized the move at a press conference, saying, ``A tax reform proposal that does not indicate financial resources is impossible.''