Ishiba Criticizes Opposition as Upper House Election Campaign Begins

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba voiced criticism of opposition leaders on Saturday, labeling their proposal for a consumption tax cut as irresponsible. He cited the lack of a concrete plan to compensate for the revenue shortfall as the basis for his disapproval. This statement was made as the campaign for Japan's House of Councillors election entered its initial weekend.

The official campaigning for the upper house election, scheduled for July 20, commenced on Thursday. Political parties are focusing on tax cuts as a measure to alleviate inflation. The central question of the election is whether the ruling coalition, led by Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party, can retain its majority in the chamber.

During a stump speech in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, Ishiba emphasized his opposition to a tax reduction. He highlighted that the revenue generated from the consumption tax is allocated to essential services such as healthcare and nursing, questioning the feasibility of a cut.

Seiji Maehara, co-head of the Japan Innovation Party, proposed reducing the consumption tax on food to zero percent, down from the current 8 percent, if his party is successful. Yoshihiko Noda, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, urged Ishiba's minority ruling coalition to eliminate the provisional gasoline tax rate. Noda expressed his hope that if the ruling camp is reduced to a minority in the upper house, the provisional gasoline tax rate could be abolished in the upcoming parliamentary session.

Other opposition parties, including the Japanese Communist Party, also campaigned on Saturday. Additionally, groups that have recently gained traction in elections, such as the Democratic Party for the People, Reiwa Shinsengumi, and Sanseito, were actively involved.

Ishiba has set the goal of the ruling LDP and its coalition partner, the Komeito party, maintaining a majority in the upper house. In contrast, Noda aims to diminish the coalition's overall share in the chamber to below half.