*「英BBC放送、アベノミクスの失敗を報道」 … 18 November 2014, BBC News より。 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called a parliamentary election for mid-December 2014, two years ahead of schedule. The BBCs explains why he chose to do this and what it might mean. ◆ What was the trigger? Mr Abe wants to ensure he has public support to push through his plans to revive the economy. On 17 November, official numbers showed that Japans economic output had shrunk for the second quarter in a row - which means the nation is now in what is called a technical recession. The numbers also showed that growth in private consumption, which accounts for about 60% of Japans economic health, was much weaker than expected. Many analysts say that an increase in the countrys sales tax in April which was intended to boost the national coffers has instead put consumers off buying new things, especially big ticket items like cars. The increase in April was from 5% to 8% and there are currently plans to raise it again next year to 10%. Mr Abe wants to delay this, and sees an election win as giving him a mandate to do so. ◆ “ Why is Japan heading to the polls ? ” Japans economy has slid back into a technical recession Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called a parliamentary election for mid-December 2014, two years ahead of schedule. The BBCs explains why he chose to do this and what it might mean. ◆ What was the trigger? Mr Abe wants to ensure he has public support to push through his plans to revive the economy. On 17 November, official numbers showed that Japans economic output had shrunk for the second quarter in a row - which means the nation is now in what is called a technical recession. The numbers also showed that growth in private consumption, which accounts for about 60% of Japans economic health, was much weaker than expected. Many analysts say that an increase in the countrys sales tax in April which was intended to boost the national coffers has instead put consumers off buying new things, especially big ticket items like cars. The increase in April was from 5% to 8% and there are currently plans to raise it again next year to 10%. Mr Abe wants to delay this, and sees an election win as giving him a mandate to do so. Ordinary people in Japan have stopped spending money, reports Tokyo Correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes ◆ Does this mean Abenomics failed? Mr Abe came to power in 2012 with a plan for economic reform. Launched the following year, the plan - which became known as Abenomics - was designed to help pull Japan out of two decades of deflation and kick-start its stagnant economy. The plan was made-up of three so-called arrows: monetary policy; fiscal stimulus; and structural reforms. At first, the plan appeared to be working. Japans central bank helped pump billions of dollars into the economy via its big stimulus package, and was confident enough to set a new inflation target of 2%. The value of the yen weakened, which is a good thing for the nations big exporters because it helps make Japanese goods cheaper to buy. And investors have been encouraged to buy shares in Japanese-listed firms, which has seen the stock market soar. But the introduction of the sales tax, aimed at curbing Japans crippling public debt, on the back of these improvements dented consumer confidence, which is vital to Japans economic survival and ongoing growth. ◆ Abenomics: The objectives and the risks So is it all about the economy? Not entirely. If Mr Abes plan works and he is able to solidify his majority in the lower house he could gain a broader mandate to push through a number of publicly unpopular moves. His cabinet has agreed a reinterpretation of Japans post-war pacifist constitution to allow for the use of force to defend allies under attack, known as collective self-defence. Related legislation now needs to be passed by parliament. Mr Abe also supports a return to the use of nuclear power to generate electricity to cut down on Japans expensive energy imports. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, public opinion has turned against nuclear power and all of Japans reactors are currently inactive. ◆ Will it be a battle? Mr Abes Liberal Democratic Party looks likely to gain a victory, as the main opposition remains in disarray after its election defeat two years ago. Mr Abe himself has enjoyed popularity since coming into power because of his moves to reinvigorate the economy. However, in recent weeks his approval ratings have fallen as economic news has disappointed. Two of his cabinet ministers have also resigned. Analysts say calling an election at this time is a risk because Mr Abes party could lose seats. But the BBCs Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Tokyo says Mr Abe could be looking at a window of opportunity to secure another four years in power for his party, before his popularity falls even further. bbc/news/world-asia-30093827?OCID=twitterasia ▼ 安倍政権がこの時機に政権を投げ出すことを世界中が疑問視。BBC放送は、「もっと不人気になる前に、あと4年の任期を獲得する」ためとちゃんと見抜いている。世界中が安倍政権のインチキぶりを知っている。南新宿で焼身自殺事件がおこったときにNHKはこれを採り上げず、日本人の多くは何が起こったのかわからなかった。しかし、BBC や CNN 放送は、これを重大事件として詳細報道。日本社会の真実を知るには外報をチェックというのが、いまや常識になりつつある。何と情けない日本の現状だろう。
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 01:46:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015