On July 6, ahead of the July 20 Upper House election in Japan, leaders of major political parties appeared on NHK and Fuji TV to debate issues like U.S.-Japan tariff talks and possible post-election government coalitions.
Tariff Talks:
- Prime Minister Ishiba (LDP) said negotiations with the U.S. are tough and will require time but necessary to protect Japan's national interest. He stressed they won’t make easy compromises and are ready for all situations.
- Komeito’s Saito said economic support measures may be needed depending on how tariffs affect Japan’s economy.
- CDP’s Noda criticized the current economic minister for being ineffective and called for direct talks with President Trump.
- Ishin’s Yoshimura said Japan needs to reduce its trade dependence on a single country.
- JCP’s Tamura called U.S. tariff actions unfair and said Japan should push for international talks.
- Reiwa’s Yamamoto said taking time with negotiations was the right strategy.
Post-Election Government Plans:
- PM Ishiba said he won’t speculate until after the vote, but aims for the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition to keep a majority.
- Noda (CDP) ruled out forming a grand coalition with the LDP, stressing opposition parties should work together instead.
- Tamaki (Democratic Party for the People) and Kamiya (Sanseito) said they might cooperate with the ruling parties on specific policy issues.
by MagazineKey4532