Petrol tax "trigger provisions" focus on what will lead to concrete talks

Regarding the "trigger clause" that suspends the taxation of the additional portion of the gasoline tax, Prime Minister Kishida indicated that he intends to proceed with the study, including the lifting of the freeze. The focus will be on whether it will lead to concrete talks between the ruling party and the National Democratic Party, which is calling for the lifting of the ban.

Regarding the "trigger clause" that suspends the taxation of the additional portion of the gasoline tax, Prime Minister Kishida indicated at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the 22nd that he intends to proceed with the study, including the lifting of the freeze.

He instructed Hagiuda, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Political Research Committee, to hold talks between the ruling party and the People's Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which is calling for the lifting of the "trigger clause."

However, the "trigger clause" was discussed in the same way last year, but there was a deep-rooted cautious opinion within the government and the ruling party that it would lead to a decrease in local tax revenues, and the conclusion was postponed.

Tamaki, a representative of the Democratic Party of Japan, said, "We will not accept the consultation until we carefully assess whether we can take steps to realize it," and the focus will be on whether it will lead to concrete discussions.

On the other hand, on the issue of political funding of the LDP factions, the five factions revealed that they have so far revised their political fund balance reports at the direction of Prime Minister Kishida.

The opposition parties will continue to ask Prime Minister Kishida to give detailed explanations to each faction at the House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting on the 5th.

The supplementary budget bill, which will support the economic measures, will be voted on at the plenary session of the House of Representatives following the committee meeting on May 24, and is expected to be sent to the House of Councillors with the support of the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito Party, as well as the Japan Restoration Party.