In order to implement policies and implement political reform, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized Monday the significance of collaboration between the two opposition parties and the minority ruling bloc.

Ishiba stated that he wishes to “listen sincerely and humbly to the thoughts of opposition parties and make every decision in a way that is clear to the public.” He met with Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan President Yoshihiko Noda and Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki separately at the Diet Building.

In his meeting with Ishiba, Tamaki demanded that the freeze on the so-called trigger clause be lifted in order to allow for a temporary reduction in the gasoline tax and that the so-called ¥1.03 million barrier—the income threshold above which individuals are required to pay income tax—be reviewed.

At the extraordinary Diet session that will be held by the end of the year, Tamaki also demanded that the Political Funds Control Law be revised, including that the political activity funds that parties give to their lawmakers be eliminated.

 

Noda claims that Ishiba discussed, among other things, the elimination of political activity funds and the disclosure of the use of survey, research, public relations, and lodging expenses provided to lawmakers.

We were able to express our opinions. Following the meetings, Ishiba told reporters at the Prime Minister’s Office, “What matters is how we can improve the lives of the people.”

At the prime minister’s official residence on Sunday, Ishiba also met with Nobuyuki Baba, the leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and asked for discussions on political reform.

At the prime minister’s official residence on Sunday, Ishiba also met with Nobuyuki Baba, the leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and asked for discussions on political reform.

Baba stated that a prior agreement on political reform was not carried out, and he indicated that he would not participate in discussions on the budget and bills.