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2012年11月22日
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衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 21, 2012)
Political parties must spell out their visions for Japan
衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ（11月20日付・読売社説）
◆現実的な経済再生策が問われる◆
Japan stands at a crossroads. The direction it takes will be critical to determining whether Japan can remain one of the world's leading nations.
日本は今、「一流国」であり続けることができるかどうかの重大な岐路に立っている。
As political gridlock continues and the economy staggers along, the people's sense that the country is stagnating has been growing. How can the nation overcome this situation?
「決められない政治」が続き、経済も低迷する中、国民の閉塞感は強まるばかりだ。どう乗り越えていくか。
During the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign, we urge each party to present the course they want Japan to pursue and a new "vision" for this nation. Each party then needs to provide voters with detailed policy proposals based on these ideas.
衆院選で各党は、日本の針路と新たな「国家像」を提示すべきだ。それを踏まえて有権者に具体的な政策を訴える必要がある。
===
How to overcome deflation?
◆デフレ脱却への方策は◆
In his book, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano pointed out that the nation must wake up from its dreamlike "growth illusion" and face up to reality. Edano argues that Japan, which has become a mature society, can no longer expect growth to just happen. Even maintaining Japan's economic vigor is not an easy task, he says.
枝野経済産業相は著書で、「成長幻想」という夢から覚めて、現実と向き合うべきだと指摘する。成熟社会となった日本ではもはや成長は望めず、経済の活力維持さえ容易ではないという見解だ。
Behind the failure of the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration to hammer out an effective growth strategy and economy-boosting measures, we suspect "pessimism" like Edano's is rooted in people's minds.
民主党政権で有効な成長戦略や経済対策が打ち出せなかった背景には、枝野氏のような“悲観論”が根強いこともあるのではないか。
But if economic sluggishness and deflation continue, which leads to negative growth, it might further hollow out the nation's industry and shake the foundation of social security systems and national security.
だが、マイナス成長に陥るような景気低迷とデフレが続けば、産業が空洞化し、社会保障や安全保障の基盤が揺らぎかねない。
Consequently, we believe it essential for the nation to pursue stable growth and enhance its international competitiveness so it can maintain its national strength.
だからこそ、安定成長を追求し、国際競争力を高めることが、日本の国力の維持には不可欠である。
How to overcome deflation, reignite the economy and rectify disparities are probably the issues of most interest to people ahead of the election.
いかにデフレから脱却し、経済再生や格差是正を図るかは、国民の関心が最も高い争点だろう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe has said his administration, if realized, would work closely with the Bank of Japan in policy coordination to implement bold monetary easing measures. He also said the LDP-led administration would reinvigorate regional economies by "improving infrastructure to serve as investment for the future."
自民党の安倍総裁は、日銀との政策協調で大胆な金融緩和に取り組むとともに、「未来への投資となるインフラ整備」で地域を活性化させていくと語った。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had few kind words for the LDP plan, saying, "I don't think Japan can be revitalized through a policy of promoting lavish public works projects." Instead, he again trumpeted his government's revitalization strategy aimed at fostering new markets in such fields as the environment and medicine and creating jobs.
野田首相は、「公共事業をばらまく政策で日本が再生するとは思えない」と自民党をけん制する一方、環境や医療などを中心に新たな市場と雇用の創出を目指す再生戦略を強調している。
But this strategy has so far produced little. The DPJ should present more convincing economic measures.
ただ、これまで戦略の成果は乏しかった。民主党は説得力のある経済対策を打ち出すべきだ。
Japan's future will be swayed by whether it participates in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework to harness the vigor of rapidly growing Asian economies. The DPJ and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) are set to vocally support joining the TPP talks.
急成長を遂げるアジアの活力を取り込むため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）に参加するかどうかは、日本の将来を左右しよう。民主党、日本維新の会などは積極的に推進する構えだ。
===
TPP, nuclear energy key issues
◆ＴＰＰと原発がカギ◆
The LDP has taken a cautious stance on the TPP. It opposes the nation's participation in TPP negotiations as long as the pact is premised on the elimination of all tariffs "without sanctuary." But Abe, stressing the LDP's bargaining leverage, is poised to shift to a stance that supports participation in the talks. This change of tack is reasonable since the party seeks to return to power.
自民党は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」と慎重な姿勢をとってきたが、安倍氏は自民党の「交渉力」を強調し、交渉参加へカジを切ろうとしている。政権復帰を目指す以上、当然の軌道修正である。
In preparation for further market liberalization, deeper discussions should be held on how to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agricultural sector.
一層の市場開放に備え、農業の国際競争力を強化する方策についても議論を深めねばならない。
Deciding on an energy policy--especially what to do with the nation's nuclear power plants--also will be essential in designing Japan's future.
原発・エネルギー政策も日本の将来像と直結する重要政策だ。
The DPJ has declared a policy of achieving "zero nuclear power generation" by the 2030s.
民主党は２０３０年代に「原発ゼロ」を目指す方針を掲げた。
However, it is naive to expect that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will smoothly become more widely used. Japan's trade deficit has reached a record high, partly due to increased costs for fuel for thermal power generation as a substitute for idled nuclear reactors. It seems unavoidable that electricity charges will be raised further.
だが、太陽光、風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及に過大な期待は禁物だ。原発を代替する火力発電の燃料費増で日本の貿易赤字は過去最悪の水準に膨らんだ。電気料金の値上げは避けられまい。
There also are fears that abolishing nuclear plants will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which will have an adverse impact on the environment.
温室効果ガスの排出増による環境への悪影響も懸念される。
It is irresponsible to tout the "zero nuclear" policy without showing a concrete path to achieve this goal. The business world and the United States, which concluded a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Japan, have expressed strong concern over the nation's energy policy.
「原発ゼロ」への具体的な道筋を示さなければ無責任だ。経済界や日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国なども強い懸念を示している。
On this point, we applaud the LDP for declaring it will "act responsibly" to restart idled nuclear plants after it returns to power. We urge the party to reveal its medium- to long-term energy policy as well.
自民党が、原発の再稼働を「政府が責任を持って」進めるとしている点は評価できる。中長期的な政策も明らかにすべきだ。
Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems will also be a major issue in the election, as some parties have called for the consumption tax increase to be annulled or frozen.
社会保障と税の一体改革も、消費税率引き上げの凍結や撤回を主張する政党が少なくない以上、大きな争点である。
Under the law on the integrated reform, which was enacted through concerted efforts by the DPJ, LDP and New Komeito, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014, and to 10 percent in October 2015.
民主、自民、公明の３党を中心に成立させた一体改革法は現行５％の消費税を１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月には１０％に引き上げる。
In our view, parties are just pandering to the public if their objective is only to prevent the consumption tax from being raised. They need to clarify how else they could fund social security costs, which are increasing by 1 trillion yen every year, and rebuild the nation's finances.
単なる増税反対なら、大衆迎合にほかならない。毎年１兆円前後も増え続ける社会保障費を賄い、財政を再建する手立ても明らかにすることが求められる。
In its campaign manifesto for the Dec. 16 election, Komeito included a pledge to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate for daily necessities to alleviate the burden the tax hike would impose on low-income earners. We believe this reduced rate issue also might become a major topic during the campaign.
公明党は政権公約（マニフェスト）に消費増税に伴う低所得者対策として軽減税率導入を掲げた。有力な論点になろう。
Political parties must spell out their visions for Japan
衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ（11月20日付・読売社説）
◆現実的な経済再生策が問われる◆
Japan stands at a crossroads. The direction it takes will be critical to determining whether Japan can remain one of the world's leading nations.
日本は今、「一流国」であり続けることができるかどうかの重大な岐路に立っている。
As political gridlock continues and the economy staggers along, the people's sense that the country is stagnating has been growing. How can the nation overcome this situation?
「決められない政治」が続き、経済も低迷する中、国民の閉塞感は強まるばかりだ。どう乗り越えていくか。
During the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign, we urge each party to present the course they want Japan to pursue and a new "vision" for this nation. Each party then needs to provide voters with detailed policy proposals based on these ideas.
衆院選で各党は、日本の針路と新たな「国家像」を提示すべきだ。それを踏まえて有権者に具体的な政策を訴える必要がある。
===
How to overcome deflation?
◆デフレ脱却への方策は◆
In his book, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano pointed out that the nation must wake up from its dreamlike "growth illusion" and face up to reality. Edano argues that Japan, which has become a mature society, can no longer expect growth to just happen. Even maintaining Japan's economic vigor is not an easy task, he says.
枝野経済産業相は著書で、「成長幻想」という夢から覚めて、現実と向き合うべきだと指摘する。成熟社会となった日本ではもはや成長は望めず、経済の活力維持さえ容易ではないという見解だ。
Behind the failure of the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration to hammer out an effective growth strategy and economy-boosting measures, we suspect "pessimism" like Edano's is rooted in people's minds.
民主党政権で有効な成長戦略や経済対策が打ち出せなかった背景には、枝野氏のような“悲観論”が根強いこともあるのではないか。
But if economic sluggishness and deflation continue, which leads to negative growth, it might further hollow out the nation's industry and shake the foundation of social security systems and national security.
だが、マイナス成長に陥るような景気低迷とデフレが続けば、産業が空洞化し、社会保障や安全保障の基盤が揺らぎかねない。
Consequently, we believe it essential for the nation to pursue stable growth and enhance its international competitiveness so it can maintain its national strength.
だからこそ、安定成長を追求し、国際競争力を高めることが、日本の国力の維持には不可欠である。
How to overcome deflation, reignite the economy and rectify disparities are probably the issues of most interest to people ahead of the election.
いかにデフレから脱却し、経済再生や格差是正を図るかは、国民の関心が最も高い争点だろう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe has said his administration, if realized, would work closely with the Bank of Japan in policy coordination to implement bold monetary easing measures. He also said the LDP-led administration would reinvigorate regional economies by "improving infrastructure to serve as investment for the future."
自民党の安倍総裁は、日銀との政策協調で大胆な金融緩和に取り組むとともに、「未来への投資となるインフラ整備」で地域を活性化させていくと語った。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had few kind words for the LDP plan, saying, "I don't think Japan can be revitalized through a policy of promoting lavish public works projects." Instead, he again trumpeted his government's revitalization strategy aimed at fostering new markets in such fields as the environment and medicine and creating jobs.
野田首相は、「公共事業をばらまく政策で日本が再生するとは思えない」と自民党をけん制する一方、環境や医療などを中心に新たな市場と雇用の創出を目指す再生戦略を強調している。
But this strategy has so far produced little. The DPJ should present more convincing economic measures.
ただ、これまで戦略の成果は乏しかった。民主党は説得力のある経済対策を打ち出すべきだ。
Japan's future will be swayed by whether it participates in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework to harness the vigor of rapidly growing Asian economies. The DPJ and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) are set to vocally support joining the TPP talks.
急成長を遂げるアジアの活力を取り込むため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）に参加するかどうかは、日本の将来を左右しよう。民主党、日本維新の会などは積極的に推進する構えだ。
===
TPP, nuclear energy key issues
◆ＴＰＰと原発がカギ◆
The LDP has taken a cautious stance on the TPP. It opposes the nation's participation in TPP negotiations as long as the pact is premised on the elimination of all tariffs "without sanctuary." But Abe, stressing the LDP's bargaining leverage, is poised to shift to a stance that supports participation in the talks. This change of tack is reasonable since the party seeks to return to power.
自民党は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」と慎重な姿勢をとってきたが、安倍氏は自民党の「交渉力」を強調し、交渉参加へカジを切ろうとしている。政権復帰を目指す以上、当然の軌道修正である。
In preparation for further market liberalization, deeper discussions should be held on how to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agricultural sector.
一層の市場開放に備え、農業の国際競争力を強化する方策についても議論を深めねばならない。
Deciding on an energy policy--especially what to do with the nation's nuclear power plants--also will be essential in designing Japan's future.
原発・エネルギー政策も日本の将来像と直結する重要政策だ。
The DPJ has declared a policy of achieving "zero nuclear power generation" by the 2030s.
民主党は２０３０年代に「原発ゼロ」を目指す方針を掲げた。
However, it is naive to expect that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will smoothly become more widely used. Japan's trade deficit has reached a record high, partly due to increased costs for fuel for thermal power generation as a substitute for idled nuclear reactors. It seems unavoidable that electricity charges will be raised further.
だが、太陽光、風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及に過大な期待は禁物だ。原発を代替する火力発電の燃料費増で日本の貿易赤字は過去最悪の水準に膨らんだ。電気料金の値上げは避けられまい。
There also are fears that abolishing nuclear plants will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which will have an adverse impact on the environment.
温室効果ガスの排出増による環境への悪影響も懸念される。
It is irresponsible to tout the "zero nuclear" policy without showing a concrete path to achieve this goal. The business world and the United States, which concluded a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Japan, have expressed strong concern over the nation's energy policy.
「原発ゼロ」への具体的な道筋を示さなければ無責任だ。経済界や日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国なども強い懸念を示している。
On this point, we applaud the LDP for declaring it will "act responsibly" to restart idled nuclear plants after it returns to power. We urge the party to reveal its medium- to long-term energy policy as well.
自民党が、原発の再稼働を「政府が責任を持って」進めるとしている点は評価できる。中長期的な政策も明らかにすべきだ。
Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems will also be a major issue in the election, as some parties have called for the consumption tax increase to be annulled or frozen.
社会保障と税の一体改革も、消費税率引き上げの凍結や撤回を主張する政党が少なくない以上、大きな争点である。
Under the law on the integrated reform, which was enacted through concerted efforts by the DPJ, LDP and New Komeito, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014, and to 10 percent in October 2015.
民主、自民、公明の３党を中心に成立させた一体改革法は現行５％の消費税を１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月には１０％に引き上げる。
In our view, parties are just pandering to the public if their objective is only to prevent the consumption tax from being raised. They need to clarify how else they could fund social security costs, which are increasing by 1 trillion yen every year, and rebuild the nation's finances.
単なる増税反対なら、大衆迎合にほかならない。毎年１兆円前後も増え続ける社会保障費を賄い、財政を再建する手立ても明らかにすることが求められる。
In its campaign manifesto for the Dec. 16 election, Komeito included a pledge to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate for daily necessities to alleviate the burden the tax hike would impose on low-income earners. We believe this reduced rate issue also might become a major topic during the campaign.
公明党は政権公約（マニフェスト）に消費増税に伴う低所得者対策として軽減税率導入を掲げた。有力な論点になろう。
2012年11月21日
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「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 20, 2012)
Ishin no Kai must clarify policies to vie with DPJ, LDP
「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな（11月19日付・読売社説）
If a new party aspires to become a third major force in national politics and take on the two main parties--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party--it will need to present clear proposals for addressing this nation's challenges.
民主、自民の２大政党に続く「第３極」を目指すなら、日本が直面する課題について明確な政策を掲げる必要がある。
Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party) has decided to merge into Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto. The new party will be led by Ishihara, with Hashimoto as acting leader.
石原慎太郎前東京都知事が率いる太陽の党は、橋下徹大阪市長を代表とする日本維新の会への合流を決めた。
石原氏が代表、橋下氏が代表代行に就く。
Hoping to capitalize on the high name recognition of both Ishihara and Hashimoto, Ishin no Kai is looking to fare well in the upcoming House of Representatives election, not only in proportional representation blocs but also in single-seat districts where large parties are seen as holding an advantage.
知名度の高い石原、橋下両氏が組む相乗効果で、衆院比例選だけでなく、大政党に有利な小選挙区でも議席確保を見込んでいる。
However, the two parties' merger was announced abruptly after Ishihara dropped an already announced plan to join forces with tax-slashing Genzei Nippon. The move thus smacks of a mutual-aid deal designed only to win the election.
ただ、石原氏は、いったん発表した減税日本との合流を白紙に戻すなど、動きが慌ただしい。「結集ありき」のような選挙互助会的政党には疑問を禁じ得ない。
===
Accord full of problems
The policy agreement put together by Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To is fraught with problems.
維新の会と太陽の党がまとめた合意文書にも問題が多い。
On nuclear power generation--a central issue in the election--the accord merely mentioned a need to set rules on safety standards. This likely was the result of disagreement between Ishin no Kai, which supports ending the nation's reliance on nuclear power in the 2030s, and Taiyo no To, which has been critical of the zero nuclear option.
焦点の原発政策に関しては、安全基準の「ルール構築」などにとどめた。「２０３０年代の原発全廃」を目指す維新の会と、脱原発には批判的な太陽の党の溝が埋まらなかったためだろう。
We agree with Ishihara's assertion that nuclear power policy needs to be discussed from a multifaceted viewpoint that takes economic and industrial factors into consideration. A zero nuclear policy is unrealistic at this point.
石原氏が言うように、原発政策は、経済・産業への影響など、複合的な観点から議論する必要がある。今から「原発ゼロ」を掲げるのは非現実的だ。
The proposal to make the consumption tax a local tax, a centerpiece of Ishin no Kai's platform, did make it into the agreement, although it was widely believed that Ishihara was less than enthusiastic about putting the consumption tax under local government control. If Ishihara has made an about-face, he needs to explain himself.
合意には、維新の会の看板政策とも言える「消費税の地方税化」が盛り込まれた。石原氏は地方税化に慎重だったはずなのに、政策をがらりと変えるのであれば、きちんとした説明が必要だ。
Concerning the Senkaku Islands, the accord called for urging China to make its case before the International Court of Justice. We question whether this position amounts to Japan admitting there exists a territorial dispute with China.
尖閣諸島問題では、中国に国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への提訴を促す、とした。これでは、日本が領有権問題の存在を認めることにならないか疑問だ。
Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, the accord "supports participation in the TPP negotiations but opposes entry if the talks show it is not in the national interest." This appears to be a blending of the pro-TPP stance of Ishin no Kai and the anti-TPP position of Taiyo no To.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については「交渉に参加するが、協議の結果、国益に沿わなければ反対」とした。維新の会の推進論と、太陽の党の反対論を併記しただけのように見える。
===
A merger of convenience?
Other parties have denounced the tie-up as "a merger of convenience without policy." Hashimoto has refuted this. "We are much closer [on policy matters] than other conventional parties are," he said.
橋下氏は、「政策抜きの野合」との他党の批判に対し、「既存政党に比べれば、はるかに一致している」と反論している。
Even so, we worry that after the election, Ishin no Kai would be continually enveloped in chaos over internal policy differences, as has been the case with the DPJ.
そうは言っても、民主党のように路線対立で混乱を繰り返すのではないか、懸念は消えない。
Your Party has been lobbying to join forces with Ishin no Kai in next month's general election, also hoping to increase its national presence as a part of a third political pole. Furthermore, the People's Life First party is exploring ways to join hands with other parties by trumpeting its opposition to the planned consumption tax increase and its support of a zero nuclear policy.
「第３極」を目指して、みんなの党が維新の会との選挙協力を進めている。国民の生活が第一も、反消費増税、脱原発を掲げ、他党との連携を模索している。
These are moves intended to sway non-affiliated voters, who have increased due to a decline in people's trust in politics during the three-plus years of the DPJ-led administration.
民主党政権下で政治不信が高まり、無党派層が増えたことを意識した動きだ。
We urge political parties to avoid promoting policies aimed only at pandering to the people, and to sufficiently scrutinize their platforms.
国民の歓心を買うような政策ばかりでは困る。政策の十分な吟味が必要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2012)
（2012年11月19日01時30分 読売新聞）
Ishin no Kai must clarify policies to vie with DPJ, LDP
「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな（11月19日付・読売社説）
If a new party aspires to become a third major force in national politics and take on the two main parties--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party--it will need to present clear proposals for addressing this nation's challenges.
民主、自民の２大政党に続く「第３極」を目指すなら、日本が直面する課題について明確な政策を掲げる必要がある。
Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party) has decided to merge into Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto. The new party will be led by Ishihara, with Hashimoto as acting leader.
石原慎太郎前東京都知事が率いる太陽の党は、橋下徹大阪市長を代表とする日本維新の会への合流を決めた。
石原氏が代表、橋下氏が代表代行に就く。
Hoping to capitalize on the high name recognition of both Ishihara and Hashimoto, Ishin no Kai is looking to fare well in the upcoming House of Representatives election, not only in proportional representation blocs but also in single-seat districts where large parties are seen as holding an advantage.
知名度の高い石原、橋下両氏が組む相乗効果で、衆院比例選だけでなく、大政党に有利な小選挙区でも議席確保を見込んでいる。
However, the two parties' merger was announced abruptly after Ishihara dropped an already announced plan to join forces with tax-slashing Genzei Nippon. The move thus smacks of a mutual-aid deal designed only to win the election.
ただ、石原氏は、いったん発表した減税日本との合流を白紙に戻すなど、動きが慌ただしい。「結集ありき」のような選挙互助会的政党には疑問を禁じ得ない。
===
Accord full of problems
The policy agreement put together by Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To is fraught with problems.
維新の会と太陽の党がまとめた合意文書にも問題が多い。
On nuclear power generation--a central issue in the election--the accord merely mentioned a need to set rules on safety standards. This likely was the result of disagreement between Ishin no Kai, which supports ending the nation's reliance on nuclear power in the 2030s, and Taiyo no To, which has been critical of the zero nuclear option.
焦点の原発政策に関しては、安全基準の「ルール構築」などにとどめた。「２０３０年代の原発全廃」を目指す維新の会と、脱原発には批判的な太陽の党の溝が埋まらなかったためだろう。
We agree with Ishihara's assertion that nuclear power policy needs to be discussed from a multifaceted viewpoint that takes economic and industrial factors into consideration. A zero nuclear policy is unrealistic at this point.
石原氏が言うように、原発政策は、経済・産業への影響など、複合的な観点から議論する必要がある。今から「原発ゼロ」を掲げるのは非現実的だ。
The proposal to make the consumption tax a local tax, a centerpiece of Ishin no Kai's platform, did make it into the agreement, although it was widely believed that Ishihara was less than enthusiastic about putting the consumption tax under local government control. If Ishihara has made an about-face, he needs to explain himself.
合意には、維新の会の看板政策とも言える「消費税の地方税化」が盛り込まれた。石原氏は地方税化に慎重だったはずなのに、政策をがらりと変えるのであれば、きちんとした説明が必要だ。
Concerning the Senkaku Islands, the accord called for urging China to make its case before the International Court of Justice. We question whether this position amounts to Japan admitting there exists a territorial dispute with China.
尖閣諸島問題では、中国に国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への提訴を促す、とした。これでは、日本が領有権問題の存在を認めることにならないか疑問だ。
Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, the accord "supports participation in the TPP negotiations but opposes entry if the talks show it is not in the national interest." This appears to be a blending of the pro-TPP stance of Ishin no Kai and the anti-TPP position of Taiyo no To.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については「交渉に参加するが、協議の結果、国益に沿わなければ反対」とした。維新の会の推進論と、太陽の党の反対論を併記しただけのように見える。
===
A merger of convenience?
Other parties have denounced the tie-up as "a merger of convenience without policy." Hashimoto has refuted this. "We are much closer [on policy matters] than other conventional parties are," he said.
橋下氏は、「政策抜きの野合」との他党の批判に対し、「既存政党に比べれば、はるかに一致している」と反論している。
Even so, we worry that after the election, Ishin no Kai would be continually enveloped in chaos over internal policy differences, as has been the case with the DPJ.
そうは言っても、民主党のように路線対立で混乱を繰り返すのではないか、懸念は消えない。
Your Party has been lobbying to join forces with Ishin no Kai in next month's general election, also hoping to increase its national presence as a part of a third political pole. Furthermore, the People's Life First party is exploring ways to join hands with other parties by trumpeting its opposition to the planned consumption tax increase and its support of a zero nuclear policy.
「第３極」を目指して、みんなの党が維新の会との選挙協力を進めている。国民の生活が第一も、反消費増税、脱原発を掲げ、他党との連携を模索している。
These are moves intended to sway non-affiliated voters, who have increased due to a decline in people's trust in politics during the three-plus years of the DPJ-led administration.
民主党政権下で政治不信が高まり、無党派層が増えたことを意識した動きだ。
We urge political parties to avoid promoting policies aimed only at pandering to the people, and to sufficiently scrutinize their platforms.
国民の歓心を買うような政策ばかりでは困る。政策の十分な吟味が必要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2012)
（2012年11月19日01時30分 読売新聞）
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民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 19, 2012)
Political system damaged by DPJ's aversion to bureaucracy
民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」（11月18日付・読売社説）
◆一体改革法成立は歴史的成果だ◆
The first thing the Democratic Party of Japan should do before the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election is review its past three years and two months in power. Can the DPJ do serious soul-searching on the plethora of issues it has mishandled and reflect the lessons learned in its campaign pledges for the upcoming election?
衆院選前にまず行うべきは、３年２か月に及ぶ民主党政権の総括だ。数々の失政を真剣に反省して、その教訓を新たな主張に反映できるのかが民主党に問われている。
The public approval rating for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama was as high as 75 percent when it was inaugurated after the 2009 lower house election. Public approval of the current administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has declined to just 24 percent, showing how the public's initial high expectations of the DPJ were dashed after the change of government.
読売新聞世論調査では、鳩山内閣発足時の支持率が７５％だったのに対し、現在の野田内閣は２４％。政権交代に対する国民の期待の大きさと失望の広がりを物語る。
Under the DPJ government, the nation's politics have continued to suffer from confusion and stagnation, and this is not just because the Diet is divided. It is mostly because the party is incapable of managing the government.
民主党政権で政治の混乱と停滞が続いたのは、衆参ねじれ国会だけでなく、政権担当能力の未熟さに起因する部分が大きい。
◆数々の失政を反省せよ◆
This was symbolized by the DPJ's failed manifesto for the last general election. After reviewing its pledges, the party concluded that only 53 of them--including making tuition at public high schools free--had been implemented during its tenure. The figure represents only about 30 percent of the 170 original promises.
その象徴が、政権公約（マニフェスト）の破綻だ。民主党自身の検証でも、１７０件の政策のうち実現できたのは、高校無償化など５３件、約３割にとどまる。
The DPJ has many things to reflect on. Among its blunders, it was extremely optimistic to believe it could secure 16.8 trillion yen a year just through tweaking spending plans. It also suffered a setback in seeking to cancel construction of the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture because it made the decision without consulting parties involved.
予算組み替えで「年１６・８兆円の財源確保が可能」とした甘い見通し、関係者との事前調整なしに掲げた「八ッ場ダムの建設中止」の挫折など、反省点は多い。
The DPJ's misguided "politician-led policymaking" have caused the administration to repeatedly malfunction.
誤った「政治主導」は、政府の機能を大幅に低下させた。
===
DPJ should reflect on blunders
Its budget screening initiative turned out to be nothing more than politicians playing to the gallery by bashing bureaucrats, and the process squeezed out only a limited amount of fiscal resources.
事業仕分けは、官僚たたきのパフォーマンスに過ぎず、捻出できた財源は限定的だった。
Based on an opposition-like stance, the DPJ took a hostile of view of bureaucrats and shunned the bureaucracy in deciding and carrying out policies. This weakened both the political and bureaucratic systems because public servants only awaited instructions from ministers, and politicians were not informed of important matters.
野党的体質から官僚を敵視し、「脱官僚」を進めた結果、官僚は指示待ちになる一方、政治家には重要情報が入らず、政官双方の劣化を招いた。
This problem became particularly apparent following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, when Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet failed to respond promptly. This caused confusion in helping the people in the disaster-hit areas and in dealing with the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
菅内閣での東日本大震災の被災者支援や原発事故対応の遅れと混乱が典型例だ。
Politicians are supposed to fully utilize bureaucrats and try to bring out their best.
政治家は本来、官僚を使いこなし、その能力を最大限引き出すことにこそ、腐心すべきだ。
When it comes to nuclear energy, the DPJ initially said operations of reactors should be resumed once their safety was confirmed. However, the party abruptly proposed an infeasible zero-nuclear power policy instead, and caused widespread confusion due to insufficient coordination with the United States and domestic local governments that host nuclear power plants.
当初は、安全性を確認した原発は活用するとしていたのに、場当たり的に非現実的な「原発ゼロ」方針を掲げ、米国や関係自治体との調整不足から迷走を重ねた。
On the economic front, the DPJ could not propose an effective growth strategy even though it promised to revive the nation's economy. It also failed to work together with the business community.
経済再生を掲げながら実効性ある成長戦略を打ち出せず、経済界との足並みもそろわなかった。
Under the slogan "from concrete to people," the government has slashed spending on public works projects from 7.1 trillion yen for fiscal 2009 to 4.6 trillion yen for fiscal 2012--a decrease that has battered local economies.
「コンクリートから人」のスローガンの下、政府の公共事業費は当初予算ベースで２００９年度の７・１兆円から１２年度の４・６兆円に減り、地方は疲弊した。
Furthermore, because of other problematic policies such as those for budgetary handouts, the general account appropriations in the initial fiscal 2012 state budget have swollen to 96.7 trillion yen, including budgets for restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake and related expenditures, from 88.5 trillion yen in fiscal 2009.
一方で、それ以外のバラマキ政策などによって、一般会計当初予算は、０９年度の８８・５兆円から１２年度は実質９６・７兆円（復興費などを含む）に膨張している。
With the issuance of deficit-covering bonds having exceeded 30 trillion yen every year in recent years, government finances have deteriorated steadily as shown by the fact that the outstanding balance of government debts is expected to reach 709 trillion yen at the end of this fiscal year--a drastic jump from fiscal 2009's 594 trillion yen.
毎年３０兆円超の赤字国債発行により財政は一層悪化し、国債発行残高は５９４兆円から今年度末に７０９兆円に増える見通しだ。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, meanwhile, has failed to take responsibility even after his former secretaries were found guilty in September 2011 of charges of violating the Political Funds Control Law, tarnishing the public's image of the DPJ as a clean party.
小沢一郎元代表は、元秘書３人が政治資金規正法違反で有罪になっても責任を取らず、民主党のクリーンなイメージを傷つけた。
Political system damaged by DPJ's aversion to bureaucracy
民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」（11月18日付・読売社説）
◆一体改革法成立は歴史的成果だ◆
The first thing the Democratic Party of Japan should do before the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election is review its past three years and two months in power. Can the DPJ do serious soul-searching on the plethora of issues it has mishandled and reflect the lessons learned in its campaign pledges for the upcoming election?
衆院選前にまず行うべきは、３年２か月に及ぶ民主党政権の総括だ。数々の失政を真剣に反省して、その教訓を新たな主張に反映できるのかが民主党に問われている。
The public approval rating for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama was as high as 75 percent when it was inaugurated after the 2009 lower house election. Public approval of the current administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has declined to just 24 percent, showing how the public's initial high expectations of the DPJ were dashed after the change of government.
読売新聞世論調査では、鳩山内閣発足時の支持率が７５％だったのに対し、現在の野田内閣は２４％。政権交代に対する国民の期待の大きさと失望の広がりを物語る。
Under the DPJ government, the nation's politics have continued to suffer from confusion and stagnation, and this is not just because the Diet is divided. It is mostly because the party is incapable of managing the government.
民主党政権で政治の混乱と停滞が続いたのは、衆参ねじれ国会だけでなく、政権担当能力の未熟さに起因する部分が大きい。
◆数々の失政を反省せよ◆
This was symbolized by the DPJ's failed manifesto for the last general election. After reviewing its pledges, the party concluded that only 53 of them--including making tuition at public high schools free--had been implemented during its tenure. The figure represents only about 30 percent of the 170 original promises.
その象徴が、政権公約（マニフェスト）の破綻だ。民主党自身の検証でも、１７０件の政策のうち実現できたのは、高校無償化など５３件、約３割にとどまる。
The DPJ has many things to reflect on. Among its blunders, it was extremely optimistic to believe it could secure 16.8 trillion yen a year just through tweaking spending plans. It also suffered a setback in seeking to cancel construction of the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture because it made the decision without consulting parties involved.
予算組み替えで「年１６・８兆円の財源確保が可能」とした甘い見通し、関係者との事前調整なしに掲げた「八ッ場ダムの建設中止」の挫折など、反省点は多い。
The DPJ's misguided "politician-led policymaking" have caused the administration to repeatedly malfunction.
誤った「政治主導」は、政府の機能を大幅に低下させた。
===
DPJ should reflect on blunders
Its budget screening initiative turned out to be nothing more than politicians playing to the gallery by bashing bureaucrats, and the process squeezed out only a limited amount of fiscal resources.
事業仕分けは、官僚たたきのパフォーマンスに過ぎず、捻出できた財源は限定的だった。
Based on an opposition-like stance, the DPJ took a hostile of view of bureaucrats and shunned the bureaucracy in deciding and carrying out policies. This weakened both the political and bureaucratic systems because public servants only awaited instructions from ministers, and politicians were not informed of important matters.
野党的体質から官僚を敵視し、「脱官僚」を進めた結果、官僚は指示待ちになる一方、政治家には重要情報が入らず、政官双方の劣化を招いた。
This problem became particularly apparent following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, when Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet failed to respond promptly. This caused confusion in helping the people in the disaster-hit areas and in dealing with the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
菅内閣での東日本大震災の被災者支援や原発事故対応の遅れと混乱が典型例だ。
Politicians are supposed to fully utilize bureaucrats and try to bring out their best.
政治家は本来、官僚を使いこなし、その能力を最大限引き出すことにこそ、腐心すべきだ。
When it comes to nuclear energy, the DPJ initially said operations of reactors should be resumed once their safety was confirmed. However, the party abruptly proposed an infeasible zero-nuclear power policy instead, and caused widespread confusion due to insufficient coordination with the United States and domestic local governments that host nuclear power plants.
当初は、安全性を確認した原発は活用するとしていたのに、場当たり的に非現実的な「原発ゼロ」方針を掲げ、米国や関係自治体との調整不足から迷走を重ねた。
On the economic front, the DPJ could not propose an effective growth strategy even though it promised to revive the nation's economy. It also failed to work together with the business community.
経済再生を掲げながら実効性ある成長戦略を打ち出せず、経済界との足並みもそろわなかった。
Under the slogan "from concrete to people," the government has slashed spending on public works projects from 7.1 trillion yen for fiscal 2009 to 4.6 trillion yen for fiscal 2012--a decrease that has battered local economies.
「コンクリートから人」のスローガンの下、政府の公共事業費は当初予算ベースで２００９年度の７・１兆円から１２年度の４・６兆円に減り、地方は疲弊した。
Furthermore, because of other problematic policies such as those for budgetary handouts, the general account appropriations in the initial fiscal 2012 state budget have swollen to 96.7 trillion yen, including budgets for restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake and related expenditures, from 88.5 trillion yen in fiscal 2009.
一方で、それ以外のバラマキ政策などによって、一般会計当初予算は、０９年度の８８・５兆円から１２年度は実質９６・７兆円（復興費などを含む）に膨張している。
With the issuance of deficit-covering bonds having exceeded 30 trillion yen every year in recent years, government finances have deteriorated steadily as shown by the fact that the outstanding balance of government debts is expected to reach 709 trillion yen at the end of this fiscal year--a drastic jump from fiscal 2009's 594 trillion yen.
毎年３０兆円超の赤字国債発行により財政は一層悪化し、国債発行残高は５９４兆円から今年度末に７０９兆円に増える見通しだ。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, meanwhile, has failed to take responsibility even after his former secretaries were found guilty in September 2011 of charges of violating the Political Funds Control Law, tarnishing the public's image of the DPJ as a clean party.
小沢一郎元代表は、元秘書３人が政治資金規正法違反で有罪になっても責任を取らず、民主党のクリーンなイメージを傷つけた。
2012年11月19日
衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 18, 2012)
Political parties to be tested on their ability to deliver
衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力（11月17日付・読売社説）
◆「第３極」の真価を見極めたい◆
The public's attention has recently been directed to whether the ruling Democratic Party of Japan will continue to lead the government or the two main opposition forces, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, will return to power. The focus has also been on the extent to which Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other new political parties can expand their influence.
民主党を中心とする政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の政権奪還か。日本維新の会など新党がどれだけ勢力を伸ばすか。
The upcoming House of Representatives election is expected to be critical as it could chart the course for the nation's future.
日本の将来を左右する極めて重要な衆院選となろう。
On Friday, the lower house was dissolved. The general election is set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4. For all intents and purposes, the election battle has effectively kicked off.
衆院が１６日、解散された。衆院選は、１２月４日公示、１６日投開票の日程で行われる。事実上の選挙戦が始まった。
In the election, the DPJ will be evaluated on its performance during its three-year rule by three prime ministers since Yukio Hatoyama.
今回の衆院選では、まず鳩山内閣以来３代、３年にわたった民主党政権の実績が問われる。
===
Noda recognized for bold acts
◆民主党に不利でも決断◆
During the 2009 lower house election campaign, the potential for a change in government was high, and the DPJ earned a stunning victory. But many voters appear to be suffering from the present political disorder and a decision-making stalemate as result of the party's win.
２００９年衆院選では「政権交代」ムードが先行し、民主党が大勝した。その結果もたらされた国政の混乱と停滞を多くの有権者が痛感したのではないか。
There are plenty of issues that the DPJ has mishandled. These include diplomatic missteps by the Hatoyama Cabinet when it pursued politician-led handling of state affairs in the wrong way and the ineptitude of Naoto Kan's administration in addressing the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
誤った政治主導を振りかざした鳩山内閣の外交迷走、菅内閣の原子力発電所事故対応の不手際など、失政の具体例には事欠かない。
At a press conference Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "I previously said I would ask for a public mandate once the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems was achieved. I dissolved [the lower house] to fulfill this promise."
野田首相は記者会見で、衆院解散の目的について「社会保障と税の一体改革を実現した暁には、近いうちに信を問うと言った。その約束を果たすためだ」と説明した。
It is indeed a historic accomplishment that the prime minister was able to pass integrated reform bills, which center on bills to raise the consumption tax rate, in the divided Diet, where the House of Councillors is controlled by the opposition. We can understand that he respected an agreement with the LDP and Komeito, which cooperated with Noda's party to enact the historic bills.
首相が、消費税率引き上げを柱とする一体改革関連法の成立を衆参ねじれ国会で実現したことは、確かに歴史に残る功績である。それに協力した自公両党との合意を大切にする姿勢は理解できる。
We also applaud Noda for following through with the dissolution even though many of DPJ members, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, opposed the breakup of the chamber and election prospects were dim for the party.
極めて選挙に不利な状況にありながら、首相が輿石幹事長ら党内の反対を押し切り、解散を断行したことも評価に値しよう。
The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has also been declining. In a recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey, the rating plunged to 19 percent, the lowest since the Cabinet's inauguration in September of last year. Furthermore, DPJ members continue to leave the party, with no end in sight to the defections.
野田内閣の支持率は低迷し、読売新聞の世論調査では昨年９月の内閣発足以来、最低の１９％と危機的水準にある。民主党からの離党に歯止めがかからない。
Noda said at the press conference Friday: "We have an ongoing political situation in which we are unable to make decisions. By dissolving [the lower house], I'd like to put an end to this evil practice."
一方で首相は、「決められない政治が続いてきた。その悪弊を解散で断ちたい」とも述べた。
Regardless of the election outcome, the Diet will remain divided at least until next summer's upper house election, as no party holds a majority of seats in the chamber. To move politics forward, it is essential for parties to cooperate with one another or form a coalition.
衆院選の結果がどうであれ、参院で過半数の議席を有する政党はなく、少なくとも来夏の参院選までは衆参のねじれは解消しない。政治を前に動かすには、政党間の連携や連立が不可欠だ。
===
Interparty cooperation needed
◆民自公の協調は必要だ◆
The increase in the consumption tax is only halfway complete based on the agreement by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito. To achieve the intended reform of the social security and tax systems, the three parties are likely to be urged to maintain their cooperative stance after the election.
民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づく消費増税は道半ばである。改革を成し遂げるためにも、選挙後、民自公協調路線を維持することが求められよう。
A stable government with either of the two major parties at its center is needed most for Japan's revival. We consider it unfavorable to have a coalition government consisting of multiple parties since consensus building would be slow going.
日本の再生にとって最も必要なのは、２大政党のいずれかを軸とする安定した政権である。合意形成に手間取るような多党化は、好ましくない。
However, several new parties, including Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), recently have emerged one after another, aiming to become a third political force following the DPJ and the LDP.
しかし、民主、自民両党に次ぐ第３極を目指そうと日本維新の会、太陽の党など新党が続々と誕生した。
With the unprecedented number of more than 10 parties campaigning, efforts are also under way to unite them. The new parties aim to attract voters frustrated with established political parties.
１０を超える党の乱立という異例の展開で、勢力結集へ模索が続く。既成政党への不満の受け皿になることを狙っている。
Many former lower house members who have just lost their Diet seats due to the dissolution are quitting the parties they belonged to and joining new parties, in an apparent attempt to survive the upcoming general election. We must seek to find the true value of a potential third political force.
前議員が新党に走る動きは、生き残りのためではないか。第３極の真価を見極める必要がある。
We expect each party to clarify its vision for the future of Japan and list its policies according to priority.
各党は、日本のあるべき「国家像」を明確にし、政策の優先度を示してもらいたい。
The public has completely lost faith in the DPJ's manifesto made in the 2009 lower house election. The party's unfulfilled handout policy pledges, such as the child-rearing allowance of 26,000 yen per month and the abolition of expressway tolls, have failed to materialize due to a lack of financing. This has only led to an amplification of voters' distrust in politics.
０９年衆院選での民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に対する信頼は失墜した。月２万６０００円の子ども手当や高速道路無料化など実現しなかったバラマキ政策は財源の裏付けを欠いていた。政治不信を増幅する原因になった。
Parties must not repeat the mistake of competing with each other to win an election by making policy promises that appeal to voters, but which are unfeasible.
国民の歓心を買うため、実現性のない、大衆迎合の政策を競う愚を繰り返してはなるまい。
In drafting new election pledges, parties should consider that a bill could fail without the cooperation of other parties in the divided Diet. Only setting deadlines for realizing election promises and other numerical targets is meaningless.
新たな公約の作成に際しては、ねじれ国会で、他党の協力なしに法案が成立しないことを考えるべきだ。政策の達成期限や数値目標だけを示しても、意味はない。
Noda again stressed his policy to achieve zero nuclear power generation in the 2030s.
野田首相は、３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す方針を改めて強調した。
The upcoming election will determine "whether the party aiming to depart from the nation's dependence on nuclear power or the party promoting the conventional energy policy will win," said the prime minister.
「脱原発依存の方向感を持つ政党が勝つのか、従来のエネルギー政策を進める政党が勝つのかが問われる」と位置づけた。
Political parties to be tested on their ability to deliver
衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力（11月17日付・読売社説）
◆「第３極」の真価を見極めたい◆
The public's attention has recently been directed to whether the ruling Democratic Party of Japan will continue to lead the government or the two main opposition forces, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, will return to power. The focus has also been on the extent to which Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other new political parties can expand their influence.
民主党を中心とする政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の政権奪還か。日本維新の会など新党がどれだけ勢力を伸ばすか。
The upcoming House of Representatives election is expected to be critical as it could chart the course for the nation's future.
日本の将来を左右する極めて重要な衆院選となろう。
On Friday, the lower house was dissolved. The general election is set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4. For all intents and purposes, the election battle has effectively kicked off.
衆院が１６日、解散された。衆院選は、１２月４日公示、１６日投開票の日程で行われる。事実上の選挙戦が始まった。
In the election, the DPJ will be evaluated on its performance during its three-year rule by three prime ministers since Yukio Hatoyama.
今回の衆院選では、まず鳩山内閣以来３代、３年にわたった民主党政権の実績が問われる。
===
Noda recognized for bold acts
◆民主党に不利でも決断◆
During the 2009 lower house election campaign, the potential for a change in government was high, and the DPJ earned a stunning victory. But many voters appear to be suffering from the present political disorder and a decision-making stalemate as result of the party's win.
２００９年衆院選では「政権交代」ムードが先行し、民主党が大勝した。その結果もたらされた国政の混乱と停滞を多くの有権者が痛感したのではないか。
There are plenty of issues that the DPJ has mishandled. These include diplomatic missteps by the Hatoyama Cabinet when it pursued politician-led handling of state affairs in the wrong way and the ineptitude of Naoto Kan's administration in addressing the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
誤った政治主導を振りかざした鳩山内閣の外交迷走、菅内閣の原子力発電所事故対応の不手際など、失政の具体例には事欠かない。
At a press conference Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "I previously said I would ask for a public mandate once the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems was achieved. I dissolved [the lower house] to fulfill this promise."
野田首相は記者会見で、衆院解散の目的について「社会保障と税の一体改革を実現した暁には、近いうちに信を問うと言った。その約束を果たすためだ」と説明した。
It is indeed a historic accomplishment that the prime minister was able to pass integrated reform bills, which center on bills to raise the consumption tax rate, in the divided Diet, where the House of Councillors is controlled by the opposition. We can understand that he respected an agreement with the LDP and Komeito, which cooperated with Noda's party to enact the historic bills.
首相が、消費税率引き上げを柱とする一体改革関連法の成立を衆参ねじれ国会で実現したことは、確かに歴史に残る功績である。それに協力した自公両党との合意を大切にする姿勢は理解できる。
We also applaud Noda for following through with the dissolution even though many of DPJ members, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, opposed the breakup of the chamber and election prospects were dim for the party.
極めて選挙に不利な状況にありながら、首相が輿石幹事長ら党内の反対を押し切り、解散を断行したことも評価に値しよう。
The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has also been declining. In a recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey, the rating plunged to 19 percent, the lowest since the Cabinet's inauguration in September of last year. Furthermore, DPJ members continue to leave the party, with no end in sight to the defections.
野田内閣の支持率は低迷し、読売新聞の世論調査では昨年９月の内閣発足以来、最低の１９％と危機的水準にある。民主党からの離党に歯止めがかからない。
Noda said at the press conference Friday: "We have an ongoing political situation in which we are unable to make decisions. By dissolving [the lower house], I'd like to put an end to this evil practice."
一方で首相は、「決められない政治が続いてきた。その悪弊を解散で断ちたい」とも述べた。
Regardless of the election outcome, the Diet will remain divided at least until next summer's upper house election, as no party holds a majority of seats in the chamber. To move politics forward, it is essential for parties to cooperate with one another or form a coalition.
衆院選の結果がどうであれ、参院で過半数の議席を有する政党はなく、少なくとも来夏の参院選までは衆参のねじれは解消しない。政治を前に動かすには、政党間の連携や連立が不可欠だ。
===
Interparty cooperation needed
◆民自公の協調は必要だ◆
The increase in the consumption tax is only halfway complete based on the agreement by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito. To achieve the intended reform of the social security and tax systems, the three parties are likely to be urged to maintain their cooperative stance after the election.
民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づく消費増税は道半ばである。改革を成し遂げるためにも、選挙後、民自公協調路線を維持することが求められよう。
A stable government with either of the two major parties at its center is needed most for Japan's revival. We consider it unfavorable to have a coalition government consisting of multiple parties since consensus building would be slow going.
日本の再生にとって最も必要なのは、２大政党のいずれかを軸とする安定した政権である。合意形成に手間取るような多党化は、好ましくない。
However, several new parties, including Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), recently have emerged one after another, aiming to become a third political force following the DPJ and the LDP.
しかし、民主、自民両党に次ぐ第３極を目指そうと日本維新の会、太陽の党など新党が続々と誕生した。
With the unprecedented number of more than 10 parties campaigning, efforts are also under way to unite them. The new parties aim to attract voters frustrated with established political parties.
１０を超える党の乱立という異例の展開で、勢力結集へ模索が続く。既成政党への不満の受け皿になることを狙っている。
Many former lower house members who have just lost their Diet seats due to the dissolution are quitting the parties they belonged to and joining new parties, in an apparent attempt to survive the upcoming general election. We must seek to find the true value of a potential third political force.
前議員が新党に走る動きは、生き残りのためではないか。第３極の真価を見極める必要がある。
We expect each party to clarify its vision for the future of Japan and list its policies according to priority.
各党は、日本のあるべき「国家像」を明確にし、政策の優先度を示してもらいたい。
The public has completely lost faith in the DPJ's manifesto made in the 2009 lower house election. The party's unfulfilled handout policy pledges, such as the child-rearing allowance of 26,000 yen per month and the abolition of expressway tolls, have failed to materialize due to a lack of financing. This has only led to an amplification of voters' distrust in politics.
０９年衆院選での民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に対する信頼は失墜した。月２万６０００円の子ども手当や高速道路無料化など実現しなかったバラマキ政策は財源の裏付けを欠いていた。政治不信を増幅する原因になった。
Parties must not repeat the mistake of competing with each other to win an election by making policy promises that appeal to voters, but which are unfeasible.
国民の歓心を買うため、実現性のない、大衆迎合の政策を競う愚を繰り返してはなるまい。
In drafting new election pledges, parties should consider that a bill could fail without the cooperation of other parties in the divided Diet. Only setting deadlines for realizing election promises and other numerical targets is meaningless.
新たな公約の作成に際しては、ねじれ国会で、他党の協力なしに法案が成立しないことを考えるべきだ。政策の達成期限や数値目標だけを示しても、意味はない。
Noda again stressed his policy to achieve zero nuclear power generation in the 2030s.
野田首相は、３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す方針を改めて強調した。
The upcoming election will determine "whether the party aiming to depart from the nation's dependence on nuclear power or the party promoting the conventional energy policy will win," said the prime minister.
「脱原発依存の方向感を持つ政党が勝つのか、従来のエネルギー政策を進める政党が勝つのかが問われる」と位置づけた。
2012年11月18日
習近平体制発足 膨張中国と向き合う戦略築け
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 17, 2012)
Japan needs sound strategy to deal with Xi administration
習近平体制発足 膨張中国と向き合う戦略築け（11月16日付・読売社説）
The Chinese Communist Party held the first plenary session of the 18th Central Committee on Thursday and made enormous changes to its leadership. The session marked the beginning of the Xi Jinping regime that will steer China through the next decade.
中国共産党の中央委員会総会が開かれ、指導部が大幅に交代した。今後１０年、中国のかじを取る習近平体制の始動だ。
Xi, the new party general secretary, held a press conference on the day. "Our responsibility is to unite and lead people of the entire party and of all ethnic groups around the country while...continuing to work for realizing the great revival of the Chinese nation in order to let the Chinese nation stand more firmly and powerfully among all nations around the world," he said.
総書記に選ばれた習近平国家副主席は記者会見で、「我々の責任は引き続き中華民族の偉大な復興のために努力奮闘し、中華民族を世界の民族の中でさらに力強く自立させることである」と語った。
In line with Xi's words, it seems evident that China will continue to advance along its path of reform and opening-up while maintaining a political system dominated by a single party. China will also seek to further expand its economic and military might, aiming at becoming a superpower on par with the United States. Its policy of expansion both militarily and economically will not change anytime soon.
その言葉通り、習政権は一党独裁を堅持しながら改革・開放を進め、米国と並ぶ超大国を目指して経済力と軍事力の一層の強大化を図るのだろう。軍事・経済の「膨張路線」は当面変わるまい。
===
Can Xi exercise leadership?
Xi, the son of a former vice premier, is known as the leader of the so-called princelings, the influential offspring of high-ranking party officials. However, with his elders still holding sway in the party, it remains unclear to what extent he can exercise his leadership.
元副首相を父に持つ習氏は、高級幹部の子女グループ「太子党」の代表だが、党長老の影響力が残る中、どこまで指導力を発揮できるかは不透明と言える。
Noteworthy in the latest leadership appointments is that Hu Jintao, who led China for 10 years during his two terms, not only vacated the general secretary post but also stepped down as chairman of the Central Military Commission, handing over both posts to Xi.
今回の人事で注目されるのは、これまで２期１０年、政権を率いてきた胡錦濤氏が総書記だけでなく軍を握る中央軍事委員会主席も退任して、習氏に譲ったことだ。
When Jiang Zemin stepped aside to make way for Hu as party leader, he remained military chief for nearly two more years. By giving up both posts, Hu likely is trying to end the dual-rule framework that has complicated decision-making by top leaders.
総書記退任後も２年近く軍事委主席にとどまった江沢民元総書記と異なる道を選ぶことで、胡氏には、最高指導部の意思決定を複雑化させてきた二元支配を終わらせる狙いがあるのだろう。
Yet, Hu appears to have retained influence by promoting senior military leaders close to him as vice chairmen of the commission before the party's National Congress. He also placed members of his faction in the Politburo. These actions point to a desire by Hu to retain power in the party leadership even after he retires from his leadership posts.
ただ、胡氏は自らに近い軍幹部２人を党大会前に軍事委副主席に昇格させたほか、政治局にも自派閥の人材を配置した。退任後も自らの影響力を党指導部に残すために打った布石に違いない。
This becomes even more clear considering that Hu's "scientific development concept," which aims to engineer balanced, sustainable development, was promoted to an official guiding socio-economic ideology at the congress, and is now enshrined in the party's charter.
調和のとれた持続可能な発展を目指す胡氏の「科学的発展観」が党大会で行動指針に格上げされ、党規約に盛り込まれたのもその証左である。
Also, the Politburo Standing Committee was reduced from nine members to seven. More than the desires of Xi, the line-up of the committee reflects a power struggle between Jiang and Hu.
政治局常務委員は従来の９人から７人に削減された。顔ぶれを見ると、習氏の意向より江氏と胡氏の派閥闘争を反映した人事だ。
===
Taming social problems urgent
Xi is scheduled to become president next spring and with that will attain China's leadership trifecta--party, state and military.
習氏は来春、国家主席に就任し、党、国家、軍の３権を掌握する。
The top priority of the Xi administration is likely to be easing the social strains that have been intensifying in the nation. China needs to get serious about dealing with expanding income and other disparities, corruption in high-ranking officials, and environmental destruction--all problems that have accompanied rapid economic growth.
習政権にとって最優先課題は、深刻化している社会のひずみの克服である。急成長に伴う格差の拡大や幹部の腐敗、環境破壊に、真摯(しんし)に対策を講じる必要がある。
The boycott against Japanese goods being staged in protest of Japan's nationalization of some of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture has impacted not only the Japanese economy but also Chinese businesses. The Xi administration should immediately exert self-restraint regarding coercive diplomatic tactics.
中国が尖閣諸島の国有化に反発して始めた日本製品不買運動は日本経済だけでなく、中国経済にも打撃を与えた。習政権は威圧外交を速やかに自制すべきだ。
How should the Japanese government grapple with China's policy of military and economic expansion? We believe a calm grasp of the situation is essential to consolidate strategy toward China.
日本政府は膨張中国と、どう向き合うのか。腰を据えて対中戦略を固めることが肝要である。
Through a multipronged approach via the East Asia Summit and other frameworks, Japan should step up its efforts to engage China to ensure it will fulfill the international responsibility that comes with national power.
東アジア首脳会議などの枠組みを重層的に利用し、中国が国力に見合った国際的責任を果たすよう働きかけを強めねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 16, 2012)
（2012年11月16日01時38分 読売新聞）
Japan needs sound strategy to deal with Xi administration
習近平体制発足 膨張中国と向き合う戦略築け（11月16日付・読売社説）
The Chinese Communist Party held the first plenary session of the 18th Central Committee on Thursday and made enormous changes to its leadership. The session marked the beginning of the Xi Jinping regime that will steer China through the next decade.
中国共産党の中央委員会総会が開かれ、指導部が大幅に交代した。今後１０年、中国のかじを取る習近平体制の始動だ。
Xi, the new party general secretary, held a press conference on the day. "Our responsibility is to unite and lead people of the entire party and of all ethnic groups around the country while...continuing to work for realizing the great revival of the Chinese nation in order to let the Chinese nation stand more firmly and powerfully among all nations around the world," he said.
総書記に選ばれた習近平国家副主席は記者会見で、「我々の責任は引き続き中華民族の偉大な復興のために努力奮闘し、中華民族を世界の民族の中でさらに力強く自立させることである」と語った。
In line with Xi's words, it seems evident that China will continue to advance along its path of reform and opening-up while maintaining a political system dominated by a single party. China will also seek to further expand its economic and military might, aiming at becoming a superpower on par with the United States. Its policy of expansion both militarily and economically will not change anytime soon.
その言葉通り、習政権は一党独裁を堅持しながら改革・開放を進め、米国と並ぶ超大国を目指して経済力と軍事力の一層の強大化を図るのだろう。軍事・経済の「膨張路線」は当面変わるまい。
===
Can Xi exercise leadership?
Xi, the son of a former vice premier, is known as the leader of the so-called princelings, the influential offspring of high-ranking party officials. However, with his elders still holding sway in the party, it remains unclear to what extent he can exercise his leadership.
元副首相を父に持つ習氏は、高級幹部の子女グループ「太子党」の代表だが、党長老の影響力が残る中、どこまで指導力を発揮できるかは不透明と言える。
Noteworthy in the latest leadership appointments is that Hu Jintao, who led China for 10 years during his two terms, not only vacated the general secretary post but also stepped down as chairman of the Central Military Commission, handing over both posts to Xi.
今回の人事で注目されるのは、これまで２期１０年、政権を率いてきた胡錦濤氏が総書記だけでなく軍を握る中央軍事委員会主席も退任して、習氏に譲ったことだ。
When Jiang Zemin stepped aside to make way for Hu as party leader, he remained military chief for nearly two more years. By giving up both posts, Hu likely is trying to end the dual-rule framework that has complicated decision-making by top leaders.
総書記退任後も２年近く軍事委主席にとどまった江沢民元総書記と異なる道を選ぶことで、胡氏には、最高指導部の意思決定を複雑化させてきた二元支配を終わらせる狙いがあるのだろう。
Yet, Hu appears to have retained influence by promoting senior military leaders close to him as vice chairmen of the commission before the party's National Congress. He also placed members of his faction in the Politburo. These actions point to a desire by Hu to retain power in the party leadership even after he retires from his leadership posts.
ただ、胡氏は自らに近い軍幹部２人を党大会前に軍事委副主席に昇格させたほか、政治局にも自派閥の人材を配置した。退任後も自らの影響力を党指導部に残すために打った布石に違いない。
This becomes even more clear considering that Hu's "scientific development concept," which aims to engineer balanced, sustainable development, was promoted to an official guiding socio-economic ideology at the congress, and is now enshrined in the party's charter.
調和のとれた持続可能な発展を目指す胡氏の「科学的発展観」が党大会で行動指針に格上げされ、党規約に盛り込まれたのもその証左である。
Also, the Politburo Standing Committee was reduced from nine members to seven. More than the desires of Xi, the line-up of the committee reflects a power struggle between Jiang and Hu.
政治局常務委員は従来の９人から７人に削減された。顔ぶれを見ると、習氏の意向より江氏と胡氏の派閥闘争を反映した人事だ。
===
Taming social problems urgent
Xi is scheduled to become president next spring and with that will attain China's leadership trifecta--party, state and military.
習氏は来春、国家主席に就任し、党、国家、軍の３権を掌握する。
The top priority of the Xi administration is likely to be easing the social strains that have been intensifying in the nation. China needs to get serious about dealing with expanding income and other disparities, corruption in high-ranking officials, and environmental destruction--all problems that have accompanied rapid economic growth.
習政権にとって最優先課題は、深刻化している社会のひずみの克服である。急成長に伴う格差の拡大や幹部の腐敗、環境破壊に、真摯(しんし)に対策を講じる必要がある。
The boycott against Japanese goods being staged in protest of Japan's nationalization of some of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture has impacted not only the Japanese economy but also Chinese businesses. The Xi administration should immediately exert self-restraint regarding coercive diplomatic tactics.
中国が尖閣諸島の国有化に反発して始めた日本製品不買運動は日本経済だけでなく、中国経済にも打撃を与えた。習政権は威圧外交を速やかに自制すべきだ。
How should the Japanese government grapple with China's policy of military and economic expansion? We believe a calm grasp of the situation is essential to consolidate strategy toward China.
日本政府は膨張中国と、どう向き合うのか。腰を据えて対中戦略を固めることが肝要である。
Through a multipronged approach via the East Asia Summit and other frameworks, Japan should step up its efforts to engage China to ensure it will fulfill the international responsibility that comes with national power.
東アジア首脳会議などの枠組みを重層的に利用し、中国が国力に見合った国際的責任を果たすよう働きかけを強めねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 16, 2012)
（2012年11月16日01時38分 読売新聞）
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衆院解散表明 首相の重い決断を支持する
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 16, 2012)
Prime minister's gutsy decision deserves credit
衆院解散表明 首相の重い決断を支持する（11月15日付・読売社説）
◆「１票の格差」是正を先行せよ◆
Out of the blue, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced he will dissolve the House of Representatives. Amid simmering opposition to an early dissolution within his Democratic Party of Japan, Noda has put everything on the line in a bid to bring an end to the nation's political gridlock.
突然の衆院解散の表明だった。民主党内で早期解散への反対論が噴出する中、乾坤一擲(けんこんいってき)、中央突破を図ったのだろう。
During a Diet debate with Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, Noda said he would dissolve the lower house Friday if the opposition promises to pass a bill to reduce the number of lower house seats during next year's ordinary Diet session.
野田首相が党首討論で自民党の安倍総裁に対し、衆院の定数削減を来年の通常国会で実現すると確約すれば、「１６日に衆院を解散する」と言明した。
Abe initially gave no clear response to Noda's offer. But after the debate and a meeting with senior LDP figures, Abe said, "We'll do our best to conclude the issue in the ordinary Diet session." This paved the way for the lower house to be dissolved Friday.
安倍氏は明言を避けたが、党首討論後、「通常国会で結論を得るべく全力を尽くす」と述べ、１６日の衆院解散が固まった。
The lower house election is now set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4.
衆院選は、１２月４日公示―１６日投票の日程で行われる予定だ。
===
Prevent further distrust
◆政治不信の増幅を回避◆
The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has been languishing for months, so the DPJ could suffer a crushing defeat in the election. However, we applaud the prime minister's sensible and weighty decision to dissolve the chamber for a general election.
内閣支持率が低迷しており、次期衆院選では、民主党の大敗も予想される。首相があえて解散・総選挙を断行することは、見識ある、重い決断と評価できる。
In August, Noda expressed his intention to dissolve the lower house "sometime soon." If he had let the year end without settling the dissolution issue, questions would have been raised over the credibility of his remarks. That could have fueled public distrust with politics.
８月に「近いうち」の解散を表明しながら、何もせずに年を越すようでは、首相発言の信頼性に疑問符が付き、国民の政治不信が一段と高まりかねない。
The prime minister apparently wanted to initiate the dissolution on his own terms, rather than having his hand forced. Noda also probably felt it was to his advantage to hold the election before Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other smaller parties can unite and form a third major political force.
首相は、追い込まれる形でなく、主導権を持って解散を断行したい考えだった。日本維新の会など第３極の体制が整う前に、衆院選に臨む狙いもあろう。
Noda's decision drew howls of protest from DPJ members who oppose the dissolution and currently dominate the party. They fear the dissolution could lead to a political vacuum.
民主党内の大勢を占める解散反対論者は、「解散は政治空白を招く」などと主張する。
However, if Noda puts off tackling key policy issues and unnecessarily attempts to cling to power at a time when his administration is standing on shaky ground, the nation would end up confronting an even more serious political vacuum in both domestic and foreign affairs.
しかし、野田政権の基盤が弱体化した中で、重要な政策課題を先送りし、いたずらに延命を図る方が、内政、外交両面で、より深刻な政治空白をもたらす。
Some DPJ members who oppose Noda's decision are openly preparing to leave the party. Dissolving the lower house is a prerogative given to a prime minister. If DPJ members cannot accept their leader's decision, they have no choice but to walk away.
野田首相の解散方針に反発する民主党議員は公然と離党の動きを見せている。解散は首相の専権事項であり、首相の決断に従えない以上、離党はやむを得まい。
Among people who assumed that the lower house would be dissolved within the year, concern grew as time passed that stalling on the dissolution would cause delays in formulating next fiscal year's budget and its enactment.
年内解散を前提にすれば、解散日程が遅れるほど、来年度予算の編成や成立もずれ込むことが懸念されていた。
From the standpoint of staving off any negative impact on the economy that would inevitably arise if the budget were delayed, we consider Noda's setting the dissolution for Nov. 16--the earliest possible date--as reasonable.
景気への悪影響を抑える意味でも、最も早い「１６日解散」は悪くない選択と言える。
A new administration is certain to be launched by the end of this year. We want it to formulate the budget for the next fiscal year and deal with pressing issues, such as measures to shore up the nation's economy and revamp its diplomacy.
年内に発足する新政権が、来年度予算を編成し、景気対策や外交の立て直しなどの重要課題に取り組むことが望ましいからだ。
Irrespective of whether it was acceptable for Noda to push Abe to accept conditions for the dissolution during their debate--like forcing him to step on a cherished picture in a "fumie" allegiance test from long ago--we support the prime minister's exercise of his right to dissolve the chamber without flinching, even while his own party is torn over the issue.
党首討論の場で、野党に「踏み絵」を踏ませるかのように、解散条件の受け入れを迫る手法の是非はともかく、野田首相が党内の反対論にひるまず、解散権を行使することは支持したい。
===
Trust among 3 parties crucial
◆民自公の信頼が大切だ◆
The Diet likely will remain divided even after the upcoming election. Accordingly, it will be very significant if the DPJ, the LDP and the other main opposition party, New Komeito, can maintain a relationship of trust to some extent and build a cooperative framework.
衆院選後も、衆参のねじれ状況が続く可能性が高い以上、民主、自民、公明３党が一定の信頼関係を維持し、協力できる体制を構築しておく意義は小さくない。
Although there is not much time before the lower house is broken up, the ruling and opposition camps should work together to tidy up some urgent issues.
解散までの時間は限られているが、与野党は協力して、喫緊の課題を処理すべきだ。
The three parties have agreed to pass Friday a bill allowing the government to issue deficit-covering bonds. To avoid the depletion of state coffers, the parties must make sure the bill passes before the lower house is dissolved.
赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案は、民自公３党が１６日の成立で合意した。国庫が底をつかないよう、解散前に確実に成立させねばならない。
Another crucial task is narrowing the disparity in the value of votes between the House of Representatives' most- and least-populated districts, thus putting an end to the electoral system's "state of unconstitutionality."
衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正し、「違憲状態」の解消を図ることも不可欠である。
The DPJ should be blamed for not fulfilling its responsibility to seriously address the issue just because it wanted to postpone the dissolution.
解散を先送りする思惑から、この問題に真剣に取り組んでこなかった民主党の責任放棄の罪は大きい。
The party still insists on handling two issues--reducing single-seat constituencies by five and cutting the number of seats in the proportional representation system--as a set.
民主党は今なお、小選挙区の「０増５減」と比例定数削減の一体処理に固執している。
This posturing appears to be a DPJ attempt to show its resolve to cut the number of lower house seats--a stance that will go down well with voters because it shows Diet members are willing to sacrifice themselves to save money before the consumption tax rate is increased. However, there is not enough time for the Diet to reach a consensus on this issue before the dissolution.
「消費税率引き上げ前に国会議員が自ら身を切る」ため、有権者受けのする定数削減に積極的な姿勢を示すポーズだろうが、解散前に結論を出すのは明らかに時間的に無理がある。
To rectify the electoral system's unconstitutional state, the lower house should first pass a bill to reduce single-seat constituencies by five, and then rezone constituencies before holding a general election under the new system. This whole process, however, would take several months.
「違憲状態」の解消には本来、「０増５減」の法案成立後、小選挙区の区割り作業を経て、新しい選挙区で衆院選を行う必要があるが、それには数か月を要する。
A more realistic option would be for the lower house to pass the bill before its dissolution and cut the number of seats in the proportional representation bloc and make other reforms during next year's ordinary Diet session. This is the minimum responsibility it should fulfill.
解散前に、まず「０増５減」の法案を成立させる。定数削減やその他の制度改革は来年の通常国会で実現する。これが現実的であり、衆院の最低限の責務だろう。
If a general election was held without passing the electoral reform bill, judicial authorities might rule the election was unconstitutional and therefore invalid. Lawmakers must ensure this does not happen.
「０増５減」さえ見送ったまま衆院選を行った場合、「違憲」として、選挙無効とする司法判断が出かねない。そうした事態は回避しなければならない。
Prime minister's gutsy decision deserves credit
衆院解散表明 首相の重い決断を支持する（11月15日付・読売社説）
◆「１票の格差」是正を先行せよ◆
Out of the blue, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced he will dissolve the House of Representatives. Amid simmering opposition to an early dissolution within his Democratic Party of Japan, Noda has put everything on the line in a bid to bring an end to the nation's political gridlock.
突然の衆院解散の表明だった。民主党内で早期解散への反対論が噴出する中、乾坤一擲(けんこんいってき)、中央突破を図ったのだろう。
During a Diet debate with Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, Noda said he would dissolve the lower house Friday if the opposition promises to pass a bill to reduce the number of lower house seats during next year's ordinary Diet session.
野田首相が党首討論で自民党の安倍総裁に対し、衆院の定数削減を来年の通常国会で実現すると確約すれば、「１６日に衆院を解散する」と言明した。
Abe initially gave no clear response to Noda's offer. But after the debate and a meeting with senior LDP figures, Abe said, "We'll do our best to conclude the issue in the ordinary Diet session." This paved the way for the lower house to be dissolved Friday.
安倍氏は明言を避けたが、党首討論後、「通常国会で結論を得るべく全力を尽くす」と述べ、１６日の衆院解散が固まった。
The lower house election is now set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4.
衆院選は、１２月４日公示―１６日投票の日程で行われる予定だ。
===
Prevent further distrust
◆政治不信の増幅を回避◆
The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has been languishing for months, so the DPJ could suffer a crushing defeat in the election. However, we applaud the prime minister's sensible and weighty decision to dissolve the chamber for a general election.
内閣支持率が低迷しており、次期衆院選では、民主党の大敗も予想される。首相があえて解散・総選挙を断行することは、見識ある、重い決断と評価できる。
In August, Noda expressed his intention to dissolve the lower house "sometime soon." If he had let the year end without settling the dissolution issue, questions would have been raised over the credibility of his remarks. That could have fueled public distrust with politics.
８月に「近いうち」の解散を表明しながら、何もせずに年を越すようでは、首相発言の信頼性に疑問符が付き、国民の政治不信が一段と高まりかねない。
The prime minister apparently wanted to initiate the dissolution on his own terms, rather than having his hand forced. Noda also probably felt it was to his advantage to hold the election before Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other smaller parties can unite and form a third major political force.
首相は、追い込まれる形でなく、主導権を持って解散を断行したい考えだった。日本維新の会など第３極の体制が整う前に、衆院選に臨む狙いもあろう。
Noda's decision drew howls of protest from DPJ members who oppose the dissolution and currently dominate the party. They fear the dissolution could lead to a political vacuum.
民主党内の大勢を占める解散反対論者は、「解散は政治空白を招く」などと主張する。
However, if Noda puts off tackling key policy issues and unnecessarily attempts to cling to power at a time when his administration is standing on shaky ground, the nation would end up confronting an even more serious political vacuum in both domestic and foreign affairs.
しかし、野田政権の基盤が弱体化した中で、重要な政策課題を先送りし、いたずらに延命を図る方が、内政、外交両面で、より深刻な政治空白をもたらす。
Some DPJ members who oppose Noda's decision are openly preparing to leave the party. Dissolving the lower house is a prerogative given to a prime minister. If DPJ members cannot accept their leader's decision, they have no choice but to walk away.
野田首相の解散方針に反発する民主党議員は公然と離党の動きを見せている。解散は首相の専権事項であり、首相の決断に従えない以上、離党はやむを得まい。
Among people who assumed that the lower house would be dissolved within the year, concern grew as time passed that stalling on the dissolution would cause delays in formulating next fiscal year's budget and its enactment.
年内解散を前提にすれば、解散日程が遅れるほど、来年度予算の編成や成立もずれ込むことが懸念されていた。
From the standpoint of staving off any negative impact on the economy that would inevitably arise if the budget were delayed, we consider Noda's setting the dissolution for Nov. 16--the earliest possible date--as reasonable.
景気への悪影響を抑える意味でも、最も早い「１６日解散」は悪くない選択と言える。
A new administration is certain to be launched by the end of this year. We want it to formulate the budget for the next fiscal year and deal with pressing issues, such as measures to shore up the nation's economy and revamp its diplomacy.
年内に発足する新政権が、来年度予算を編成し、景気対策や外交の立て直しなどの重要課題に取り組むことが望ましいからだ。
Irrespective of whether it was acceptable for Noda to push Abe to accept conditions for the dissolution during their debate--like forcing him to step on a cherished picture in a "fumie" allegiance test from long ago--we support the prime minister's exercise of his right to dissolve the chamber without flinching, even while his own party is torn over the issue.
党首討論の場で、野党に「踏み絵」を踏ませるかのように、解散条件の受け入れを迫る手法の是非はともかく、野田首相が党内の反対論にひるまず、解散権を行使することは支持したい。
===
Trust among 3 parties crucial
◆民自公の信頼が大切だ◆
The Diet likely will remain divided even after the upcoming election. Accordingly, it will be very significant if the DPJ, the LDP and the other main opposition party, New Komeito, can maintain a relationship of trust to some extent and build a cooperative framework.
衆院選後も、衆参のねじれ状況が続く可能性が高い以上、民主、自民、公明３党が一定の信頼関係を維持し、協力できる体制を構築しておく意義は小さくない。
Although there is not much time before the lower house is broken up, the ruling and opposition camps should work together to tidy up some urgent issues.
解散までの時間は限られているが、与野党は協力して、喫緊の課題を処理すべきだ。
The three parties have agreed to pass Friday a bill allowing the government to issue deficit-covering bonds. To avoid the depletion of state coffers, the parties must make sure the bill passes before the lower house is dissolved.
赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案は、民自公３党が１６日の成立で合意した。国庫が底をつかないよう、解散前に確実に成立させねばならない。
Another crucial task is narrowing the disparity in the value of votes between the House of Representatives' most- and least-populated districts, thus putting an end to the electoral system's "state of unconstitutionality."
衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正し、「違憲状態」の解消を図ることも不可欠である。
The DPJ should be blamed for not fulfilling its responsibility to seriously address the issue just because it wanted to postpone the dissolution.
解散を先送りする思惑から、この問題に真剣に取り組んでこなかった民主党の責任放棄の罪は大きい。
The party still insists on handling two issues--reducing single-seat constituencies by five and cutting the number of seats in the proportional representation system--as a set.
民主党は今なお、小選挙区の「０増５減」と比例定数削減の一体処理に固執している。
This posturing appears to be a DPJ attempt to show its resolve to cut the number of lower house seats--a stance that will go down well with voters because it shows Diet members are willing to sacrifice themselves to save money before the consumption tax rate is increased. However, there is not enough time for the Diet to reach a consensus on this issue before the dissolution.
「消費税率引き上げ前に国会議員が自ら身を切る」ため、有権者受けのする定数削減に積極的な姿勢を示すポーズだろうが、解散前に結論を出すのは明らかに時間的に無理がある。
To rectify the electoral system's unconstitutional state, the lower house should first pass a bill to reduce single-seat constituencies by five, and then rezone constituencies before holding a general election under the new system. This whole process, however, would take several months.
「違憲状態」の解消には本来、「０増５減」の法案成立後、小選挙区の区割り作業を経て、新しい選挙区で衆院選を行う必要があるが、それには数か月を要する。
A more realistic option would be for the lower house to pass the bill before its dissolution and cut the number of seats in the proportional representation bloc and make other reforms during next year's ordinary Diet session. This is the minimum responsibility it should fulfill.
解散前に、まず「０増５減」の法案を成立させる。定数削減やその他の制度改革は来年の通常国会で実現する。これが現実的であり、衆院の最低限の責務だろう。
If a general election was held without passing the electoral reform bill, judicial authorities might rule the election was unconstitutional and therefore invalid. Lawmakers must ensure this does not happen.
「０増５減」さえ見送ったまま衆院選を行った場合、「違憲」として、選挙無効とする司法判断が出かねない。そうした事態は回避しなければならない。