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Monday, July 22, 2013 (PM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- Consumption tax
(Abridged)
REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning consumption tax. The Prime Minister today said that he intends to make a decision in autumn after examining the April to June economic figures. Could you tell us what sort of schedule is under consideration, or more specifically, when exactly in autumn are you aiming to come to a conclusion?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that the Prime Minister will make a decision after examining the April to June figures when they have been finalized.
REPORTER: When you say figures, am I right to assume that you are talking about GDP figures?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: If I am correct, Preliminary Quarterly Estimates of National Expenditure are announced in two installments. I believe that the second installment will be delivered in autumn and I believe that the Prime Minister will make an announcement after examining these figures.
Regardless, realizing fiscal stability is extremely important. The economy is a source of national strength and as I often say, revitalizing the economy is extremely important in terms of realizing fiscal stability, foreign and security policy, and social security.
Therefore, we must pursue fiscal stability while ensuring that we maintain a balance with economic revitalization. It is necessary to raise consumption tax to realize fiscal stability, but at the same time there is a risk that it may have a significant adverse effect on the economy. I believe that the Prime Minister's comments are reflective of his opinion that it is undesirable to raise consumption tax if it means disrupting the economy. Therefore he will make a decision in autumn after carefully examining all factors.
REPORTER: I believe that there will be other figures announced such as the national ratio of jobs to applicants. Does the Government intend to also utilize those figures when making a decision?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that in principle, the April to June figures will be the primary source material. The Prime Minister has always maintained that he will naturally take into account all of the various economic conditions and make decisions accordingly.
(Abridged)
