Japan's Ishiba Seeks Support for Record Budget, Navigation of US Ties
In the opening speech of Japan's parliament on Friday, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sought support for his minority government's ¥115.5 trillion ($738 billion) annual budget. This comes amidst Japan's efforts to navigate ties with the new US administration.
Ishiba emphasized the need for sustainability and independence, emphasizing the challenges posed by a shrinking population, tepid regional growth, and an unstable security environment. He stated, "To create a new Japan, we must focus on being sustainable and independent. That requires a fundamental change in our values."
Ishiba's immediate challenge lies in securing enough votes to pass the budget. His coalition government has been negotiating with smaller opposition parties since losing seats in the October general election.
Ishiba plans to visit the US in early February for talks with President Donald Trump. He reiterated the importance of the Japan-US alliance as the foundation of Japan's diplomatic and defense policy.
Ishiba acknowledged concerns about the US playing a reduced global security role under the Trump administration, stating, "We must retain the US commitment in this region by further deepening Japan-US cooperation and ensuring a power vacuum doesn't cause instability."
Ishiba also plans to address the economy and inflation ahead of the upper house election in July. He stated, "We plan to improve economic productivity and increase people's incomes, with wage hikes that keep up with inflation as a starting point."
One sticking point in budget negotiations is the level of the new ceiling on tax-free income. The Democratic Party for the People is demanding a higher ceiling than the Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition is offering.
Ishiba may seek support from the Japan Innovation Party, which has proposed making high school education free for all students.
Despite Ishiba's diplomatic efforts, the Japanese public remains concerned about prices and pay. Ishiba faces pressure to protect Japan's interests in dealing with Trump, as well as from hawkish members of the LDP who disagree with loosened visa restrictions for Chinese visitors.