Gao City Government’s push for consumption tax reduction bill was questioned

China News Service, Tokyo, November 6 (Reporter Zhu Chenxi) The Japanese House of Representatives voted on the 6th on the food and beverage consumption tax reduction bill promoted by the Gao City Government. Although the bill was passed by the House of Representatives, it was opposed by the opposition parties and some Liberal Democratic Party members due to issues such as unclear financial resources. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other congressmen withdrew before the vote and did not participate in the vote.

The bill plans to reduce the food excise tax rate from the current 8% to 1% for two years starting in April 2027. Since the Gao City Government has not clearly stated the sources of funds required for tax reductions, there are concerns that there may be a financial gap after the implementation of the bill.

All opposition parties with seats in the House of Representatives oppose the bill, NHK reported. However, since the Liberal Democratic Party and its governing partner, the Japan Reform Party, hold about three-quarters of the seats in the House of Representatives, the bill passed the House of Representatives with a majority and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

According to reports, before the vote in the House of Representatives began, four Liberal Democratic Party members, including Shigeru Ishiba, former Economic Planning Agency Chief Funada Moto, former Justice Minister Furukawa Masahisa, and former Liberal Democratic Party Election Countermeasures Committee Chairman Obuchi Yuko, withdrew from their seats and did not participate in the vote.

Japan's opposition parties question the implementation effect and feasibility of the bill. Mitsunari Okamoto, leader of Japan's Komeito Party, pointed out that the passage of the bill in the House of Representatives "left a stain on Japan's constitutional history."