The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 12, 2012)
Election debates should take up education policy
教育政策 子どもの将来見据えた論戦を（12月11日付・読売社説）
Voters pay special attention to education policy. How should the children who will be responsible for Japan's future be nurtured? Each political party should present a clear future vision in this regard.
教育政策は有権者の関心が高い。次代を担う子どもたちをどう育成するのか。各党はその将来像を示すべきである。
The Liberal Democratic Party listed education as a priority in its policy pledges for the upcoming House of Representatives election. It is one of the party's four pillars for national revival, along with the economy, diplomacy and quality of life. The party's proposals include reinstating Saturday classes and reviewing the current system of six years of primary school, three years each of middle and high school and four years of university.
公約で教育を重点課題に掲げたのは自民党だ。経済、外交、暮らしと並ぶ再生の４本柱に位置づけ、「土曜授業の復活」や「６・３・３・４制の見直し」などを挙げている。
LDP President Shinzo Abe probably wants to try again on education reform, which he aimed at while he was prime minister but left only half-done.
安倍総裁には、首相時代に、道半ばに終わった教育改革に再挑戦する思いもあろう。
===
Undue influence of teachers union
In the election campaign, Abe has repeatedly said the Democratic Party of Japan, which is influenced by the Japan Teachers Union, cannot be entrusted with the task of truly reviving the nation's education.
安倍氏はこれまでの選挙戦で、日本教職員組合の影響を受けている民主党には、真の教育再生はできない、と繰り返し述べている。
For example, the national achievement test, which was introduced in 2007 to improve schoolchildren's academic abilities, was scaled down after the DPJ took power, so that instead of having all students in targeted years participate, the test was given only at a sample of about 30 percent of schools nationwide. The shift came out of consideration for criticism from the teachers union that such a test would invite competition.
学力向上策として２００７年に始まった全国学力テストは、民主党に政権移行後、全員参加方式から約３割を抽出する方式に縮小された。「競争をあおる」という日教組の批判に配慮したものだ。
Because the sampling method targets a smaller number of schools, detailed analysis of results cannot be conducted. It is understandable that the LDP argues for returning to the full participation format.
抽出方式で対象校が減り、きめ細かな分析ができなくなった。自民党が全員参加方式に戻すと主張しているのは理解できる。
Making public high school tuition-free was one of the DPJ-led administration's pet policy measures. The LDP has proposed this be limited to children whose parents earn under a certain amount.
民主党政権の目玉政策の一つである高校授業料の無償化についても、自民党は対象に所得制限を設ける方針を打ち出した。
On the other hand, it is a cause for concern that the LDP itself has made policy proposals that would require large-scale fiscal spending, such as one to make preschool education tuition-free.
一方で、幼児教育の無償化など大規模な財政支出を伴う政策を盛り込んだことは懸念される。
Under the current fiscal situation, which borders on crisis, it is essential to secure fiscal resources. If the LDP is serious about returning to power, it should not end up listing policy measures simply to please the public. Rather, we want it to present a realistic policy course.
危機的な財政状況の中では、財源の確保が重要だ。政権復帰を目指す以上、大衆受けする政策を並べるだけでなく、現実的な道筋を示してもらいたい。
Meanwhile, we consider the DPJ's policy pledges on education insufficient, as they offer little in concrete terms.
民主党の教育に関する公約が具体策に乏しいのは物足りない。
===
Unclear role of education boards
In this election, the role of boards of education is another important issue, especially after the functional inability of the Otsu Municipal Board of Education came to light following the suicide of a middle school student in the city who had been bullied.
今回の選挙では、教育委員会の在り方も重要な論点である。大津市の中学生がいじめを受けて自殺した事件で、市教委の機能不全が問題視されたためだ。
The LDP proposes that full-time school superintendents appointed by the heads of local governments with the consent of local assemblies should be in charge of education boards.
自民党は、議会の同意を得て首長が任命する常勤の教育長を責任者とするよう提案している。
Regarding this point, the DPJ's policy pledges say only that the education board system should be reviewed.
この点でも民主党は「制度の見直し」を公約しているだけだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) suggests the system be abolished, while Your Party proposes that local governments be given discretion over issues concerning the system.
日本維新の会は「制度の廃止」に言及し、みんなの党は「自治体による選択制」を主張する。
Under the current education board system introduced shortly after the end of World War II, education board members, appointed from among local residents, have a council system to make decisions on such important issues as teacher personnel affairs and the adoption of textbooks, to keep education from being politically influenced by local government heads.
戦後導入された教委制度では、教育が首長による政治的な影響を受けないよう、地域住民の中から任命された教育委員が合議制で、教員の人事や教科書採択などの重要事項を決めてきた。
But it cannot be denied that where responsibilities lie has become unclear as the education board system has become a mere formality despite its intended independence. Who will be responsible for education? In-depth discussions should be held on this point.
だが、独立性を付与したはずの仕組みが形骸化し、責任の所在が不明確になっている面は否めない。教育に誰が責任を持つのか、踏み込んだ議論が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2012)
（2012年12月11日01時46分 読売新聞）
2012/12/13
2012/12/12
農業政策 バラマキいつまで続けるのか
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 11, 2012)
Farmers need to be taken off the dole
農業政策 バラマキいつまで続けるのか（12月9日付・読売社説）
With trade liberalization in mind, strengthening the structure of the nation's agricultural sector cannot be delayed any longer.
貿易自由化をにらんで農業の体質強化は待ったなしである。
However, the campaign platforms of the leading parties in the upcoming House of Representatives election give prominent place to dole-out policies aimed at wooing farm votes. We would rather have them pursue policies to actually create a strong farm sector.
ところが、衆院選の政権公約では、「農村票」を目当てにしたばらまき路線が目立つ。強い日本農業を実現する政策こそを競うべきだ。
One point at issue is the income compensation system for individual farming households. The program, an election pledge of the Democratic Party of Japan for the 2009 lower house election and introduced in fiscal 2010, provides uniform government subsidies to rice and other farmers.
農業政策の焦点は、戸別所得補償制度の見直しである。
民主党が２００９年衆院選の政権公約に掲げ、１０年度から導入した。コメ農家などに補助金を一律に支払う仕組みだ。
For this election, the DPJ is promising to upgrade the program into a law-based system.
民主党は今回、所得補償を法律に基づく制度に格上げすると公約している。
In fiscal 2011, the budget for the income compensation program grew to 540 billion yen--one-fourth of the total farm-related budget.
所得補償制度の１１年度の予算規模は５４００億円に膨らみ、農業予算の４分の１を占める。
Despite the massive amount of money spent, the program can hardly be said to have enlarged the scale of the nation's farms or improved their farming operations. On the contrary, it encourages small producers to continue farming just to receive subsidies.
巨費を投じたにもかかわらず、規模拡大や経営改善につながったとは言い難い。
それどころか、生産性の低い零細農家が補助金目当てに農業を続ける現状を招く結果となった。
Policies with questionable cost-effectiveness must be reviewed.
費用対効果が極めて乏しい政策は見直さなくてはならない。
===
LDP policy also flawed
By the same token, the Liberal Democratic Party's farm proposal is also problematic in many respects.
自民党の公約にも問題が多い。
Although the LDP is calling for a full review of the income compensation system, it supports a law that would provide subsidies to rice, fruit, vegetable and livestock farmers as long as they maintain their farmland.
所得補償制度は全面的に見直すというが、農地の維持を条件に、コメだけでなく果樹や野菜、畜産農家にまで対象を広げ、補助金を支給する新法を制定する方針だ。
This is nothing but an expansion of the current farm subsidy program. How can paying farmers just to maintain their land help boost agricultural productivity?
所得補償の拡大以外の何物でもない。農地を持っていれば補助金がもらえる政策が、果たして生産性向上につながるだろうか。
Only by focusing government support on highly motivated, full-time farmers will the nation's agricultural sector be able to stand on its own and maintain the support of tax-paying consumers.
意欲的な専業農家に支援を集中してこそ、農業が産業として自立でき、税負担する消費者の理解も得られよう。
The LDP is also advocating reconstituting the budget for improving farmland, which the DPJ-led administration has cut significantly. This is just another dole-out policy and will do nothing to realize the "competitive and aggressive farming sector" the LDP claims to support in its election platform.
自民党は、民主党政権が大幅に削減した土地改良事業費を復活させる方針も掲げた。これでは二重のばらまきだ。公約で示した「競争力のある攻めの農業」など到底、実現できまい。
With farming so unprofitable, fewer and fewer young people are choosing to take over family farms, which has accelerated the graying of the farm population. To put an end to this vicious cycle, the government needs to present a vision to rehabilitate the farm sector.
収益が上がらないから、後継者が減り、高齢化が進む――。悪循環を断ち切るには、農業再生への将来展望を示す必要がある。
===
Get ready to join TPP
As Japan prepares to join the talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the ability of Japan's farm sector to compete internationally must be strengthened. The government's target of raising the average acreage in rice paddy cultivation to 10 times the current two hectares in five years began with a roar but appears to be ending with a whimper.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加へ、国際競争力を高めねばならない。１戸当たり平均２ヘクタールの水田面積を５年間で１０倍超にする政府目標も掛け声倒れだ。
The course of action that needs to be taken is clear: Integrate the production, processing and sales of farm products; gradually abolish the reduction of paddy acreage, which only hurts farmers' drive to produce; and encourage young farmers and parties from other industries who want to enter the farm sector.
生産・加工・販売を一体化した体制の整備、生産意欲をそぐ減反の段階的廃止、若者や異業種参入組の積極的育成など、進むべき方向は明らかだろう。
Just like politicians who only see rice paddies as "voting blocs," the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives group is apparently pressing candidates to show their loyalty in the form of TPP opposition in return for farm votes. This only prevents our nation's farm sector from becoming self-reliant.
ＴＰＰ反対を応援条件に候補者に踏み絵を迫るＪＡグループも、「水田」を「票田」としか見ない政治家と同様、農業の自立を自ら妨げている。
Moving away from a subsidy-soaked agricultural administration would be a first step toward rejuvenating the farm sector.
補助金漬け農政からの脱却が、農業再生への第一歩だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 9, 2012)
（2012年12月9日01時32分 読売新聞）
Farmers need to be taken off the dole
農業政策 バラマキいつまで続けるのか（12月9日付・読売社説）
With trade liberalization in mind, strengthening the structure of the nation's agricultural sector cannot be delayed any longer.
貿易自由化をにらんで農業の体質強化は待ったなしである。
However, the campaign platforms of the leading parties in the upcoming House of Representatives election give prominent place to dole-out policies aimed at wooing farm votes. We would rather have them pursue policies to actually create a strong farm sector.
ところが、衆院選の政権公約では、「農村票」を目当てにしたばらまき路線が目立つ。強い日本農業を実現する政策こそを競うべきだ。
One point at issue is the income compensation system for individual farming households. The program, an election pledge of the Democratic Party of Japan for the 2009 lower house election and introduced in fiscal 2010, provides uniform government subsidies to rice and other farmers.
農業政策の焦点は、戸別所得補償制度の見直しである。
民主党が２００９年衆院選の政権公約に掲げ、１０年度から導入した。コメ農家などに補助金を一律に支払う仕組みだ。
For this election, the DPJ is promising to upgrade the program into a law-based system.
民主党は今回、所得補償を法律に基づく制度に格上げすると公約している。
In fiscal 2011, the budget for the income compensation program grew to 540 billion yen--one-fourth of the total farm-related budget.
所得補償制度の１１年度の予算規模は５４００億円に膨らみ、農業予算の４分の１を占める。
Despite the massive amount of money spent, the program can hardly be said to have enlarged the scale of the nation's farms or improved their farming operations. On the contrary, it encourages small producers to continue farming just to receive subsidies.
巨費を投じたにもかかわらず、規模拡大や経営改善につながったとは言い難い。
それどころか、生産性の低い零細農家が補助金目当てに農業を続ける現状を招く結果となった。
Policies with questionable cost-effectiveness must be reviewed.
費用対効果が極めて乏しい政策は見直さなくてはならない。
===
LDP policy also flawed
By the same token, the Liberal Democratic Party's farm proposal is also problematic in many respects.
自民党の公約にも問題が多い。
Although the LDP is calling for a full review of the income compensation system, it supports a law that would provide subsidies to rice, fruit, vegetable and livestock farmers as long as they maintain their farmland.
所得補償制度は全面的に見直すというが、農地の維持を条件に、コメだけでなく果樹や野菜、畜産農家にまで対象を広げ、補助金を支給する新法を制定する方針だ。
This is nothing but an expansion of the current farm subsidy program. How can paying farmers just to maintain their land help boost agricultural productivity?
所得補償の拡大以外の何物でもない。農地を持っていれば補助金がもらえる政策が、果たして生産性向上につながるだろうか。
Only by focusing government support on highly motivated, full-time farmers will the nation's agricultural sector be able to stand on its own and maintain the support of tax-paying consumers.
意欲的な専業農家に支援を集中してこそ、農業が産業として自立でき、税負担する消費者の理解も得られよう。
The LDP is also advocating reconstituting the budget for improving farmland, which the DPJ-led administration has cut significantly. This is just another dole-out policy and will do nothing to realize the "competitive and aggressive farming sector" the LDP claims to support in its election platform.
自民党は、民主党政権が大幅に削減した土地改良事業費を復活させる方針も掲げた。これでは二重のばらまきだ。公約で示した「競争力のある攻めの農業」など到底、実現できまい。
With farming so unprofitable, fewer and fewer young people are choosing to take over family farms, which has accelerated the graying of the farm population. To put an end to this vicious cycle, the government needs to present a vision to rehabilitate the farm sector.
収益が上がらないから、後継者が減り、高齢化が進む――。悪循環を断ち切るには、農業再生への将来展望を示す必要がある。
===
Get ready to join TPP
As Japan prepares to join the talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the ability of Japan's farm sector to compete internationally must be strengthened. The government's target of raising the average acreage in rice paddy cultivation to 10 times the current two hectares in five years began with a roar but appears to be ending with a whimper.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加へ、国際競争力を高めねばならない。１戸当たり平均２ヘクタールの水田面積を５年間で１０倍超にする政府目標も掛け声倒れだ。
The course of action that needs to be taken is clear: Integrate the production, processing and sales of farm products; gradually abolish the reduction of paddy acreage, which only hurts farmers' drive to produce; and encourage young farmers and parties from other industries who want to enter the farm sector.
生産・加工・販売を一体化した体制の整備、生産意欲をそぐ減反の段階的廃止、若者や異業種参入組の積極的育成など、進むべき方向は明らかだろう。
Just like politicians who only see rice paddies as "voting blocs," the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives group is apparently pressing candidates to show their loyalty in the form of TPP opposition in return for farm votes. This only prevents our nation's farm sector from becoming self-reliant.
ＴＰＰ反対を応援条件に候補者に踏み絵を迫るＪＡグループも、「水田」を「票田」としか見ない政治家と同様、農業の自立を自ら妨げている。
Moving away from a subsidy-soaked agricultural administration would be a first step toward rejuvenating the farm sector.
補助金漬け農政からの脱却が、農業再生への第一歩だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 9, 2012)
（2012年12月9日01時32分 読売新聞）
2012/12/11
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:距離感つかめる人選び ／東京
December 09, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Not too far, not too close
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:距離感つかめる人選び ／東京
Recently when I phoned my mother in Hokkaido, she told me, "It's cold this year, and it's snowing early." Blizzards caused a major blackout, and some people apparently had to endure the cold at night without heating. She went on, "Just getting to the neighborhood convenience store is difficult."
北海道でひとり暮らしの母親に電話をしたら、「今年は寒いし雪も早い」と言っていた。風雪により大規模停電が起きて、寒い中、暖房器具も使えずに夜を送った人たちもいたようだ。母も「近所のコンビニまで行くのもたいへんなのよ」と言っていた。
Nature's fury can quickly develop into a life-or-death situation.
自然の猛威がすぐに“死活問題”にまで発展するのだ。
However, when we're in Tokyo watching the news about Hokkaido, the severity of the situation doesn't really hit home. If my mother weren't in Hokkaido, I might just say, "Hmm, that looks tough for them," and have little other interest in the issue.
東京にいると、テレビのニュースでそんな北海道の映像を見ても、なかなかピンとこない。私も母親がいなければ、「へー、たいへんね」という以上の関心も持たなかったかもしれない。
To put it another way, it's very difficult for us to sympathize over and comprehend things that aren't directly related to us. Even if we're not deliberately adopting a cold attitude and saying, "Well that's their problem," somewhere inside of us, we're shutting out the things beyond us, thinking, "It's got nothing to do with me."
つまり、私たちにとって、自分に直接、関係のないできごとを理解したり気持ちを寄せたりするのは、とてもむずかしいことなのだ。「人ごとだよね」と積極的に冷たい態度を取らなかったとしても、どこかで「自分には関係ない」とそれ以上、考えるのをシャットアウトしてしまう。
This, we can say, is something we have learned to do to protect ourselves: If every time there was a disaster, conflict or accident in a faraway country we were to put ourselves in others' shoes and think "What if that was me?" "How are these people feeling?" then we wouldn't be able to cope with it all. By distancing ourselves a certain degree from the things that aren't directly related to us and telling ourselves, "That doesn't really affect me," we can feel a bit at ease.
しかし、これは私たちが自分を守るための知恵でもある。遠い国や地域で起きている災害や紛争、事故にいちいち「もし私だったらどうなるだろう」「この人たちはどんな思いなのだろう」と感情を移入していたら、身が持たないからだ。自分に直接、かかわらないことにはある程度、距離を置き、「私にはあまり関係ない」と言い聞かせることで、ちょっと安心することができる。
But just how much distance should we place between ourselves and such issues? Or how far should we go in thinking, "I wonder how these people are feeling?" Each of us has to consider that balance and decide for ourselves. In my consultation rooms, I'm always thinking about such a balance when I see my patients. I can't get too close and find myself getting upset, but then again, neither can I distance myself too much and end up failing to understand my patients.
自分以外のことに、どれくらいの距離を置くのか。そして、どれくらい「この人たちはどんな気持ちなんだろう」と思いを寄せるのか。このバランスは、それぞれが頭で考えて、自分で決めなければならない。精神科の診察室で患者さんを診るということは、常にこの「距離の置き方」のバランスを考えるということでもある。あまりにも接近しすぎて自分も動揺しないように、でも逆に距離を置きすぎて理解できなくならないように。
I wonder what the case is in the House of Representatives election, whose campaigning started on Nov. 4. How far are the various candidates going in distancing themselves from voters? It wouldn't be any good for them to fail to retain any measure of distance between individuals and become too emotional. But at the same time, it's no good having them look down on others from on high all the time, either. As I look at each of the candidates from various political parties, I'm searching for someone who maintains a fine balance in the distances they keep.
さて、もうすぐ公示される選挙ではどうなのだろう。それぞれの候補者たちは、有権者とどんな距離の置き方をするのだろう。ひとりひとりの生活者たちとの距離を失って感情的になりすぎる人も困るが、とはいえあまりに高みから見下ろすような人も困る。その「距離の置き方のバランス」が絶妙の人を探したいな、と思いながら、各党から立候補が予想される人たちの顔ぶれを見ている。
I'm not going to state here whether it looks like I'll find a candidate who fits that description, but I think everyone can agree with me when I say finding someone with that sense of balance is no easy task.
「これぞ」という人が見つかりそうかどうか、それはここではあえて書かずにおくが、バランス感覚のある人探しは簡単ではないということは、誰にもわかるのではないだろうか。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年12月04日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Not too far, not too close
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:距離感つかめる人選び ／東京
Recently when I phoned my mother in Hokkaido, she told me, "It's cold this year, and it's snowing early." Blizzards caused a major blackout, and some people apparently had to endure the cold at night without heating. She went on, "Just getting to the neighborhood convenience store is difficult."
北海道でひとり暮らしの母親に電話をしたら、「今年は寒いし雪も早い」と言っていた。風雪により大規模停電が起きて、寒い中、暖房器具も使えずに夜を送った人たちもいたようだ。母も「近所のコンビニまで行くのもたいへんなのよ」と言っていた。
Nature's fury can quickly develop into a life-or-death situation.
自然の猛威がすぐに“死活問題”にまで発展するのだ。
However, when we're in Tokyo watching the news about Hokkaido, the severity of the situation doesn't really hit home. If my mother weren't in Hokkaido, I might just say, "Hmm, that looks tough for them," and have little other interest in the issue.
東京にいると、テレビのニュースでそんな北海道の映像を見ても、なかなかピンとこない。私も母親がいなければ、「へー、たいへんね」という以上の関心も持たなかったかもしれない。
To put it another way, it's very difficult for us to sympathize over and comprehend things that aren't directly related to us. Even if we're not deliberately adopting a cold attitude and saying, "Well that's their problem," somewhere inside of us, we're shutting out the things beyond us, thinking, "It's got nothing to do with me."
つまり、私たちにとって、自分に直接、関係のないできごとを理解したり気持ちを寄せたりするのは、とてもむずかしいことなのだ。「人ごとだよね」と積極的に冷たい態度を取らなかったとしても、どこかで「自分には関係ない」とそれ以上、考えるのをシャットアウトしてしまう。
This, we can say, is something we have learned to do to protect ourselves: If every time there was a disaster, conflict or accident in a faraway country we were to put ourselves in others' shoes and think "What if that was me?" "How are these people feeling?" then we wouldn't be able to cope with it all. By distancing ourselves a certain degree from the things that aren't directly related to us and telling ourselves, "That doesn't really affect me," we can feel a bit at ease.
しかし、これは私たちが自分を守るための知恵でもある。遠い国や地域で起きている災害や紛争、事故にいちいち「もし私だったらどうなるだろう」「この人たちはどんな思いなのだろう」と感情を移入していたら、身が持たないからだ。自分に直接、かかわらないことにはある程度、距離を置き、「私にはあまり関係ない」と言い聞かせることで、ちょっと安心することができる。
But just how much distance should we place between ourselves and such issues? Or how far should we go in thinking, "I wonder how these people are feeling?" Each of us has to consider that balance and decide for ourselves. In my consultation rooms, I'm always thinking about such a balance when I see my patients. I can't get too close and find myself getting upset, but then again, neither can I distance myself too much and end up failing to understand my patients.
自分以外のことに、どれくらいの距離を置くのか。そして、どれくらい「この人たちはどんな気持ちなんだろう」と思いを寄せるのか。このバランスは、それぞれが頭で考えて、自分で決めなければならない。精神科の診察室で患者さんを診るということは、常にこの「距離の置き方」のバランスを考えるということでもある。あまりにも接近しすぎて自分も動揺しないように、でも逆に距離を置きすぎて理解できなくならないように。
I wonder what the case is in the House of Representatives election, whose campaigning started on Nov. 4. How far are the various candidates going in distancing themselves from voters? It wouldn't be any good for them to fail to retain any measure of distance between individuals and become too emotional. But at the same time, it's no good having them look down on others from on high all the time, either. As I look at each of the candidates from various political parties, I'm searching for someone who maintains a fine balance in the distances they keep.
さて、もうすぐ公示される選挙ではどうなのだろう。それぞれの候補者たちは、有権者とどんな距離の置き方をするのだろう。ひとりひとりの生活者たちとの距離を失って感情的になりすぎる人も困るが、とはいえあまりに高みから見下ろすような人も困る。その「距離の置き方のバランス」が絶妙の人を探したいな、と思いながら、各党から立候補が予想される人たちの顔ぶれを見ている。
I'm not going to state here whether it looks like I'll find a candidate who fits that description, but I think everyone can agree with me when I say finding someone with that sense of balance is no easy task.
「これぞ」という人が見つかりそうかどうか、それはここではあえて書かずにおくが、バランス感覚のある人探しは簡単ではないということは、誰にもわかるのではないだろうか。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年12月04日 地方版
2012/12/10
公共事業 選択と集中で効果的な投資を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 9, 2012)
Public works spending should be highly selective
公共事業 選択と集中で効果的な投資を（12月8日付・読売社説）
In the wake of the recent ceiling collapse in the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture, public works policies have suddenly become a key issue for the upcoming House of Representatives election.
中央自動車道・笹子トンネルの天井崩落事故を受けて、公共事業政策が衆院選の主要な論点に急浮上している。
Neglecting aging roads, bridges and other infrastructure poses a risk to public safety. To maintain such infrastructure with limited funds, political parties are being asked how they would make public works projects more efficient.
老朽化した道路や橋などを放置すれば、国民の安全が脅かされる。限られた財源で社会資本を維持するため、公共事業をどう効率化するかが問われよう。
Under what it calls a "national land strengthening plan," the Liberal Democratic Party has called for the investment of 200 trillion yen over 10 years in projects such as disaster management. New Komeito also has unveiled a 10-year 100 trillion yen "new deal" plan to prevent and reduce damage from major disasters.
自民党は、「国土強靱(きょうじん)化計画」を掲げ、防災などを目的に１０年間で事業費２００兆円の公共投資を想定している。公明党も、１０年間で１００兆円規模の「防災・減災ニューディール」を示した。
The Democratic Party of Japan, which called for a shift in focus "from concrete to people" in the previous 2009 lower house election, has once again criticized such plans proposed by the LDP and Komeito as "pork-barrel measures." Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has raised questions, asking people, "Will we return to the old politics of the LDP?"
２００９年の前回衆院選で、「コンクリートから人へ」を掲げた民主党は、今回も自公両党の政策を「ばらまきだ」と批判している。野田首相は、「元の自民党の政策に戻るのか」と牽制(けんせい)した。
Meanwhile, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) has vowed to boost Japan's competitiveness without increasing public works projects. But it lacks specific measures.
日本維新の会は、公共事業を拡大せず、日本の競争力を高めると主張するが、具体策は不明だ。
===
Infrastructure needs attention
Roads, bridges, water and sewerage systems and other infrastructure built nationwide during the period of the nation's rapid economic growth are nearing the end of their life span, causing them to deteriorate rapidly. Taking care of aging infrastructure is an urgent task.
高度成長期に整備された全国の道路、橋、上下水道などがまもなく寿命を迎え、急速に損傷や劣化が進む。老朽化した社会資本の対策は急務と言える。
We hope political parties present measures to alleviate such public concerns.
国民の不安を和らげる方策を各党は示してもらいたい。
According to an estimate by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, 190 trillion yen will be needed over the next 50 years to maintain or rebuild infrastructure. Amid financial difficulties, government spending on public works has declined every year. There is no room for sudden major expenses.
国土交通省の推計では、更新費用は今後５０年間で１９０兆円に膨らむ。財政危機の中、公共事業費は年々減少しており、大盤振る舞いする余裕はない。
To minimize costs, finding damaged infrastructure and fixing it early is crucial to extend its life span. The nation should place priority on inspecting and repairing bridges by taking lessons from a series of bridge collapses in the United States due to aging.
危険箇所の早期発見や補修で長寿命化を図り、費用を圧縮することが重要だ。老朽化で橋の落下事故が相次いだ米国を参考に、橋の点検・補修を優先すべきだ。
Considering its shrinking population, Japan may be forced to stop using low-use public facilities and infrastructure, such as bridges.
人口減少を考慮すれば、利用が減った公共施設や橋などは使わないなどの決断も求められる。
The nation must carry out new public works projects under a strategy of "selection and concentration." A focus should be placed on projects linked to economic growth such as the development of loop roads in urban areas and the building of airports and ports that could become international hubs.
新規事業についても、「選択と集中」を進めねばならない。都市部の環状道路網、国際拠点となる空港や港湾など、経済成長に資する事業は重視する必要がある。
===
Cost-effectiveness is key
The DPJ-led government's approval of the extension of Shinkansen lines is questionable in terms of cost-effectiveness. This project should be reviewed.
民主党政権が整備新幹線の着工を認可したことは、費用対効果から疑問が残る。見直すべきだ。
The LDP's national land strengthening plan focuses on large-scale projects such as development along an axis on the western coast of Honshu facing the Sea of Japan so that region could supplement the east in the event of a major disaster there. The plan resembles the revival of the "archipelago-remodeling" policy the party implemented in the 1970s.
自民党の国土強靱化計画が、日本海国土軸など大型事業に固執している点も、７０年代の「列島改造」の復活を連想させる。
The political parties must not forget that ineffective economic measures and overdevelopment of roads and airports, which had lower-than-expected demand, were partly blamed for swollen government budget deficits.
効果の乏しい景気対策、需要予測を下回る道路や空港の乱造などが、膨大な財政赤字の一因となった教訓を忘れてはならない。
The idea of allocating part of tax revenues from consumption tax increases to public works projects also should be ruled out. It is vital to make effective public investments by taking advantage of funds and expertise from the private sector.
消費税率引き上げによる税収増の一部を、公共事業に充てようとする案も論外だ。民間の資金や知恵を生かす発想で、効果的な公共投資を進めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 8, 2012)
（2012年12月8日01時24分 読売新聞）
Public works spending should be highly selective
公共事業 選択と集中で効果的な投資を（12月8日付・読売社説）
In the wake of the recent ceiling collapse in the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture, public works policies have suddenly become a key issue for the upcoming House of Representatives election.
中央自動車道・笹子トンネルの天井崩落事故を受けて、公共事業政策が衆院選の主要な論点に急浮上している。
Neglecting aging roads, bridges and other infrastructure poses a risk to public safety. To maintain such infrastructure with limited funds, political parties are being asked how they would make public works projects more efficient.
老朽化した道路や橋などを放置すれば、国民の安全が脅かされる。限られた財源で社会資本を維持するため、公共事業をどう効率化するかが問われよう。
Under what it calls a "national land strengthening plan," the Liberal Democratic Party has called for the investment of 200 trillion yen over 10 years in projects such as disaster management. New Komeito also has unveiled a 10-year 100 trillion yen "new deal" plan to prevent and reduce damage from major disasters.
自民党は、「国土強靱(きょうじん)化計画」を掲げ、防災などを目的に１０年間で事業費２００兆円の公共投資を想定している。公明党も、１０年間で１００兆円規模の「防災・減災ニューディール」を示した。
The Democratic Party of Japan, which called for a shift in focus "from concrete to people" in the previous 2009 lower house election, has once again criticized such plans proposed by the LDP and Komeito as "pork-barrel measures." Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has raised questions, asking people, "Will we return to the old politics of the LDP?"
２００９年の前回衆院選で、「コンクリートから人へ」を掲げた民主党は、今回も自公両党の政策を「ばらまきだ」と批判している。野田首相は、「元の自民党の政策に戻るのか」と牽制(けんせい)した。
Meanwhile, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) has vowed to boost Japan's competitiveness without increasing public works projects. But it lacks specific measures.
日本維新の会は、公共事業を拡大せず、日本の競争力を高めると主張するが、具体策は不明だ。
===
Infrastructure needs attention
Roads, bridges, water and sewerage systems and other infrastructure built nationwide during the period of the nation's rapid economic growth are nearing the end of their life span, causing them to deteriorate rapidly. Taking care of aging infrastructure is an urgent task.
高度成長期に整備された全国の道路、橋、上下水道などがまもなく寿命を迎え、急速に損傷や劣化が進む。老朽化した社会資本の対策は急務と言える。
We hope political parties present measures to alleviate such public concerns.
国民の不安を和らげる方策を各党は示してもらいたい。
According to an estimate by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, 190 trillion yen will be needed over the next 50 years to maintain or rebuild infrastructure. Amid financial difficulties, government spending on public works has declined every year. There is no room for sudden major expenses.
国土交通省の推計では、更新費用は今後５０年間で１９０兆円に膨らむ。財政危機の中、公共事業費は年々減少しており、大盤振る舞いする余裕はない。
To minimize costs, finding damaged infrastructure and fixing it early is crucial to extend its life span. The nation should place priority on inspecting and repairing bridges by taking lessons from a series of bridge collapses in the United States due to aging.
危険箇所の早期発見や補修で長寿命化を図り、費用を圧縮することが重要だ。老朽化で橋の落下事故が相次いだ米国を参考に、橋の点検・補修を優先すべきだ。
Considering its shrinking population, Japan may be forced to stop using low-use public facilities and infrastructure, such as bridges.
人口減少を考慮すれば、利用が減った公共施設や橋などは使わないなどの決断も求められる。
The nation must carry out new public works projects under a strategy of "selection and concentration." A focus should be placed on projects linked to economic growth such as the development of loop roads in urban areas and the building of airports and ports that could become international hubs.
新規事業についても、「選択と集中」を進めねばならない。都市部の環状道路網、国際拠点となる空港や港湾など、経済成長に資する事業は重視する必要がある。
===
Cost-effectiveness is key
The DPJ-led government's approval of the extension of Shinkansen lines is questionable in terms of cost-effectiveness. This project should be reviewed.
民主党政権が整備新幹線の着工を認可したことは、費用対効果から疑問が残る。見直すべきだ。
The LDP's national land strengthening plan focuses on large-scale projects such as development along an axis on the western coast of Honshu facing the Sea of Japan so that region could supplement the east in the event of a major disaster there. The plan resembles the revival of the "archipelago-remodeling" policy the party implemented in the 1970s.
自民党の国土強靱化計画が、日本海国土軸など大型事業に固執している点も、７０年代の「列島改造」の復活を連想させる。
The political parties must not forget that ineffective economic measures and overdevelopment of roads and airports, which had lower-than-expected demand, were partly blamed for swollen government budget deficits.
効果の乏しい景気対策、需要予測を下回る道路や空港の乱造などが、膨大な財政赤字の一因となった教訓を忘れてはならない。
The idea of allocating part of tax revenues from consumption tax increases to public works projects also should be ruled out. It is vital to make effective public investments by taking advantage of funds and expertise from the private sector.
消費税率引き上げによる税収増の一部を、公共事業に充てようとする案も論外だ。民間の資金や知恵を生かす発想で、効果的な公共投資を進めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 8, 2012)
（2012年12月8日01時24分 読売新聞）
2012/12/09
日欧ＥＰＡ 早期合意で劣勢を巻き返せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 8, 2012)
Early conclusion of Japan-EU EPA needed to catch up with S. Korea
日欧ＥＰＡ 早期合意で劣勢を巻き返せ（12月7日付・読売社説）
Japan has lagged far behind South Korea in expanding economic partnership relationships with other countries and regional blocs. It needs to even the score by concluding an agreement with the European Union as soon as possible.
日本は経済連携を広げる戦略で韓国に大きく出遅れた。欧州連合（ＥＵ）との妥結を急ぎ、劣勢を巻き返す必要がある。
The council of EU trade ministers has decided to green-light the start of negotiations for an economic partnership agreement with Japan, which has been a pending issue between the two parties.
ＥＵの貿易相理事会が懸案だった日本との経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）交渉の開始を決めた。
Japanese and EU leaders are expected to officially agree on the kickoff of talks as early as January.
来年早々にも首脳間で正式に合意する予定だ。
The EU had been hesitant to agree to the start of the negotiations due to concerns over a possible surge in imports from Japan. Although it was a long path to reach this point, we welcome the decision by EU officials to sit at the negotiating table.
日本からの輸出増を警戒するＥＵが交渉になかなか同意せず、長い道のりだったが、交渉のテーブルに着くことを歓迎したい。
South Korea, an economic rival to Japan, began negotiations with the EU in 2007 on a free trade agreement, which took effect in July 2011. Under the FTA, the EU and South Korea will gradually lower tariffs on mineral and industrial products, among others, and completely abolish them in five years.
ライバルの韓国は、２００７年にＥＵと交渉を始め、昨年７月に自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）を発効させている。鉱工業品などの関税を互いに段階的に引き下げて、５年以内に撤廃する内容だ。
===
South Korean advantage
The EU levies high tariffs on imports from Japan and others--10 percent on automobiles and 14 percent on flat-screen TVs, for instance. In contrast, the tariff cuts on products from South Korea have started and Seoul has been benefitting from the deal. In the latter half of last year, South Korean automobile exports to the EU doubled compared to the same period in 2010.
ＥＵは日本などから輸入する自動車に１０％、薄型テレビに１４％の高い関税をかけている。これに対し、韓国製品の関税引き下げが始まり、昨年下半期に韓国からの欧州向け自動車輸出が前年同期比で倍増するなど効果は大きい。
It is only natural Japan's automobile and household appliance manufacturers, who are competing with their South Korean counterparts, have an increased sense of crisis. The government must accelerate the promotion of the EPA negotiations with the EU to improve Japan's disadvantageous position.
韓国メーカーと競う日本の自動車や家電業界が危機感を強めているのは当然だ。不利な条件を改善するため、政府は対ＥＵ交渉を加速すべきである。
However, elements of the negotiations are not clear.
しかし、先行きは不透明だ。
The EU said it will cancel the negotiations if it judges Japan's efforts toward market liberalization are insufficient one year after the talks begin. Japan should proceed with caution on this attitude demanding major concessions from Japan.
ＥＵは交渉開始から１年後に、市場開放への日本の取り組みが不十分と判断した場合、交渉を打ち切る方針を示した。
日本に大幅譲歩を求める強硬姿勢を警戒しなければならない。
We are also concerned over the idea of the EU considering invoking a safeguard action--emergency import restriction--if imports of specific products from Japan sharply increase.
日本から特定品目の輸入が急増した時、ＥＵは緊急輸入制限措置（セーフガード）導入を検討すると牽制(けんせい)した点も懸念される。
Aiming at participation in the Japanese market, the EU is reportedly ready to demand Japan to improve nontariff barriers such as easing safety standards for medical equipment and a review of government procurement in the rail and transportation fields, among others.
ＥＵは日本市場への参入を狙って、医療機器などの安全基準の規制緩和や、鉄道・交通分野での政府調達の見直しなど、非関税障壁の改善を要求する構えという。
===
Negotiate tenaciously
It is basic in trade negotiations to expand the sphere of free trade, by seeking points of compromise while protecting certain products or industries. Japan should engage in the negotiations patiently, while considering the removal or improvement of nontariff barriers as much as possible.
通商交渉は、互いに守るべきものを守りながら接点を探り、自由貿易を拡大することが基本だ。日本は非関税障壁の改善を検討し、粘り強く交渉すべきだ。
A major reason behind the EU decision to start EPA negotiations is that Japan has begun preliminary talks toward possible participation in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework, a pan-Pacific EPA led by the United States. We believe the EU, which is not participating in the TPP talks, has a strong interest in the moves of Japan and the United States.
ＥＵが日本との交渉に踏み出す背景には、日本が米国の主導する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加に向けて関係国と協議に入ったことがある。ＴＰＰに含まれないＥＵには、日米の動きに強い関心があるのだろう。
In such a situation, Japan should pursue a more strategic move to grab the EU's attention by participating in the TPP negotiations as early as possible to gain a position of strength in the EPA talks.
だからこそ、日本はＴＰＰに早期に参加することでＥＵを揺さぶり、通商交渉の主導権を握る戦略的な取り組みを進めるべきだ。
As it is quite important to provide momentum to the nation's economic growth with the expansion of free trade, Japan must promote a positive trade policy.
自由貿易の拡大で、日本の成長に弾みを付けることが重要だ。日本は積極的な通商政策を推進しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 7, 2012)
（2012年12月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
Early conclusion of Japan-EU EPA needed to catch up with S. Korea
日欧ＥＰＡ 早期合意で劣勢を巻き返せ（12月7日付・読売社説）
Japan has lagged far behind South Korea in expanding economic partnership relationships with other countries and regional blocs. It needs to even the score by concluding an agreement with the European Union as soon as possible.
日本は経済連携を広げる戦略で韓国に大きく出遅れた。欧州連合（ＥＵ）との妥結を急ぎ、劣勢を巻き返す必要がある。
The council of EU trade ministers has decided to green-light the start of negotiations for an economic partnership agreement with Japan, which has been a pending issue between the two parties.
ＥＵの貿易相理事会が懸案だった日本との経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）交渉の開始を決めた。
Japanese and EU leaders are expected to officially agree on the kickoff of talks as early as January.
来年早々にも首脳間で正式に合意する予定だ。
The EU had been hesitant to agree to the start of the negotiations due to concerns over a possible surge in imports from Japan. Although it was a long path to reach this point, we welcome the decision by EU officials to sit at the negotiating table.
日本からの輸出増を警戒するＥＵが交渉になかなか同意せず、長い道のりだったが、交渉のテーブルに着くことを歓迎したい。
South Korea, an economic rival to Japan, began negotiations with the EU in 2007 on a free trade agreement, which took effect in July 2011. Under the FTA, the EU and South Korea will gradually lower tariffs on mineral and industrial products, among others, and completely abolish them in five years.
ライバルの韓国は、２００７年にＥＵと交渉を始め、昨年７月に自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）を発効させている。鉱工業品などの関税を互いに段階的に引き下げて、５年以内に撤廃する内容だ。
===
South Korean advantage
The EU levies high tariffs on imports from Japan and others--10 percent on automobiles and 14 percent on flat-screen TVs, for instance. In contrast, the tariff cuts on products from South Korea have started and Seoul has been benefitting from the deal. In the latter half of last year, South Korean automobile exports to the EU doubled compared to the same period in 2010.
ＥＵは日本などから輸入する自動車に１０％、薄型テレビに１４％の高い関税をかけている。これに対し、韓国製品の関税引き下げが始まり、昨年下半期に韓国からの欧州向け自動車輸出が前年同期比で倍増するなど効果は大きい。
It is only natural Japan's automobile and household appliance manufacturers, who are competing with their South Korean counterparts, have an increased sense of crisis. The government must accelerate the promotion of the EPA negotiations with the EU to improve Japan's disadvantageous position.
韓国メーカーと競う日本の自動車や家電業界が危機感を強めているのは当然だ。不利な条件を改善するため、政府は対ＥＵ交渉を加速すべきである。
However, elements of the negotiations are not clear.
しかし、先行きは不透明だ。
The EU said it will cancel the negotiations if it judges Japan's efforts toward market liberalization are insufficient one year after the talks begin. Japan should proceed with caution on this attitude demanding major concessions from Japan.
ＥＵは交渉開始から１年後に、市場開放への日本の取り組みが不十分と判断した場合、交渉を打ち切る方針を示した。
日本に大幅譲歩を求める強硬姿勢を警戒しなければならない。
We are also concerned over the idea of the EU considering invoking a safeguard action--emergency import restriction--if imports of specific products from Japan sharply increase.
日本から特定品目の輸入が急増した時、ＥＵは緊急輸入制限措置（セーフガード）導入を検討すると牽制(けんせい)した点も懸念される。
Aiming at participation in the Japanese market, the EU is reportedly ready to demand Japan to improve nontariff barriers such as easing safety standards for medical equipment and a review of government procurement in the rail and transportation fields, among others.
ＥＵは日本市場への参入を狙って、医療機器などの安全基準の規制緩和や、鉄道・交通分野での政府調達の見直しなど、非関税障壁の改善を要求する構えという。
===
Negotiate tenaciously
It is basic in trade negotiations to expand the sphere of free trade, by seeking points of compromise while protecting certain products or industries. Japan should engage in the negotiations patiently, while considering the removal or improvement of nontariff barriers as much as possible.
通商交渉は、互いに守るべきものを守りながら接点を探り、自由貿易を拡大することが基本だ。日本は非関税障壁の改善を検討し、粘り強く交渉すべきだ。
A major reason behind the EU decision to start EPA negotiations is that Japan has begun preliminary talks toward possible participation in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework, a pan-Pacific EPA led by the United States. We believe the EU, which is not participating in the TPP talks, has a strong interest in the moves of Japan and the United States.
ＥＵが日本との交渉に踏み出す背景には、日本が米国の主導する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加に向けて関係国と協議に入ったことがある。ＴＰＰに含まれないＥＵには、日米の動きに強い関心があるのだろう。
In such a situation, Japan should pursue a more strategic move to grab the EU's attention by participating in the TPP negotiations as early as possible to gain a position of strength in the EPA talks.
だからこそ、日本はＴＰＰに早期に参加することでＥＵを揺さぶり、通商交渉の主導権を握る戦略的な取り組みを進めるべきだ。
As it is quite important to provide momentum to the nation's economic growth with the expansion of free trade, Japan must promote a positive trade policy.
自由貿易の拡大で、日本の成長に弾みを付けることが重要だ。日本は積極的な通商政策を推進しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 7, 2012)
（2012年12月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
2012/12/08
財政再建 借金大国からの脱却目指せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 7, 2012)
Parties must confront nation's debt dependence
財政再建 借金大国からの脱却目指せ（12月6日付・読売社説）
What can be done to rebuild the nation's finances, which are the worst among advanced nations? Financial reconstruction is an issue that will heavily influence Japan's future.
先進国で最悪の財政をどう立て直すか。日本の将来を大きく左右する問題だ。
However, there has not been very much debate on the issue in the campaigning for the Dec. 16 general election. Parties must show their resolve in dealing with this problem.
しかし、衆院選では、議論が深まっていない。各党は、財政再建に向けた覚悟を示す必要がある。
Japan's finances are facing a critical situation. Tax revenues have been continuing to decrease due to the prolonged economic downturn following the bursting of the bubble economy in the 1990s. At the same time, welfare costs have ballooned due to the rapid aging of the population, and successive economic stimulus packages have swelled expenditures.
日本の財政は危機的状況だ。１９９０年代以降、バブル崩壊後の不況で税収は減り続けている。一方、急速な高齢化によって社会保障費が増大し、度重なる景気対策で歳出が膨張した。
Annual government bond issuance to fill the gap between tax revenues and expenditures has been in the 50 trillion yen range in recent years. About half of the 90 trillion yen general account budget for fiscal 2012 was procured from the issuance of bonds. The nation's dependence on borrowing is serious.
税収と歳出のギャップを埋めるため、政府はここ数年、年間５０兆円規模の国債を発行している。２０１２年度も一般会計の総額９０兆円のうち、半分を占めるという深刻な借金財政に陥った。
It is appalling that the issuance of new bonds has exceeded tax revenues for three years in a row. If today's excessively low interest rates begin climbing upward, the burden of interest payments will increase significantly, making it even more difficult for the government to rebuild its finances.
新たな借金が３年連続で税収を上回る現状は、尋常ではない。現在の超低金利が上昇に転じれば、国債の利払いが一気に増大し、財政再建は一段と困難になろう。
===
Show path to rebuild finances
In their campaign platforms, the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party both have stated a goal of achieving a surplus in the primary balance by fiscal 2020 so that the government could secure policy-related expenses mainly from tax revenues without issuing new bonds. However, both parties have failed to show concrete methods on how to achieve the goal.
民主、自民両党は政権公約で、新規の借金をせずに政策的経費を税収などでまかなえるよう、基礎的な財政収支を２０年度までに黒字化する目標を掲げている。だが、その道筋は示されていない。
The first step toward sound public finances is to steadily implement the two-stage consumption tax hike scheduled to take place in April 2014 and October 2015 and to move forward the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. Even after the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent, the government is expected to face an uphill battle to rebuild the nation's finances.
財政健全化の第一歩は、１４年４月と１５年１０月に予定される消費税率の２段階引き上げを確実に実施し、社会保障・税一体改革を進めることだ。ただし、消費税率が１０％になっても、財政再建の道のりは依然として厳しい。
However, such parties as Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan), the Japanese Communist Party and Your Party have taken positions against the consumption tax hike, claiming that the government should trim wasteful budget spending first. We wonder how they would cover the surge of welfare costs without a tax hike.
ところが、日本未来の党、共産党、みんなの党などは反増税を掲げ、「消費増税の前に予算のムダを減らすべきだ」と主張する。膨らむ社会保障費を増税なしで、どうカバーしようというのか。
There is no room for the government to fall deeper into debt by further relying on government bonds, and ask future generations to clean up the mess. It is difficult to call them responsible parties as long as they tout overly optimistic future prospects that have no foundation and evade taking necessary measures that would be painful.
国債に依存して借金を重ね、将来世代に負担をつけ回す余裕はない。根拠のない甘い見通しを掲げ、痛みから逃げるだけでは、責任政党とは言えない。
===
Ishin's problematic proposal
There are also problems in the aim of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) to make the consumption tax a local tax after raising its rate to 11 percent.
消費税率を１１％に引き上げて地方税化するという日本維新の会の主張にも問題が多い。
Will it ever be possible for local governments to collect consumption tax by themselves without the help of the central government, and distribute the money properly? It is also doubtful the central government would be able to find other revenue sources to cover social security costs.
国を介さず地方が独自に消費税を徴収して配分したり、社会保障は国が別財源で手当てしたりすることが可能だろうか。
Looking at parties' campaign platforms, we have to say their efforts on spending cuts are far from sufficient. The platforms include plans to support farming and implement public works projects, measures that could result in recklessly handing out taxpayers' money. The LDP has pledged to cut personnel expenses of government officials and to review livelihood protection allowances, but their effect on spending cuts will be small.
歳出削減についても、各党の公約は踏み込み不足だ。ばらまき色の強い農業支援や公共事業などが並ぶ。自民党は公務員人件費削減や生活保護見直しを掲げているが、歳出削減の規模は小さい。
It will be important for the government to preferentially allocate limited budget resources to economic fields expected to grow in the near future, as this may result in increased tax revenues. We urge parties to more fully debate budgetary reforms that challenge the vested interests of the people concerned.
限られた予算を将来の税収増につながる成長分野に重点的に振り向けることが重要だ。各党は既得権に切り込む予算改革をもっと議論すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 6, 2012)
（2012年12月6日01時09分 読売新聞）
Parties must confront nation's debt dependence
財政再建 借金大国からの脱却目指せ（12月6日付・読売社説）
What can be done to rebuild the nation's finances, which are the worst among advanced nations? Financial reconstruction is an issue that will heavily influence Japan's future.
先進国で最悪の財政をどう立て直すか。日本の将来を大きく左右する問題だ。
However, there has not been very much debate on the issue in the campaigning for the Dec. 16 general election. Parties must show their resolve in dealing with this problem.
しかし、衆院選では、議論が深まっていない。各党は、財政再建に向けた覚悟を示す必要がある。
Japan's finances are facing a critical situation. Tax revenues have been continuing to decrease due to the prolonged economic downturn following the bursting of the bubble economy in the 1990s. At the same time, welfare costs have ballooned due to the rapid aging of the population, and successive economic stimulus packages have swelled expenditures.
日本の財政は危機的状況だ。１９９０年代以降、バブル崩壊後の不況で税収は減り続けている。一方、急速な高齢化によって社会保障費が増大し、度重なる景気対策で歳出が膨張した。
Annual government bond issuance to fill the gap between tax revenues and expenditures has been in the 50 trillion yen range in recent years. About half of the 90 trillion yen general account budget for fiscal 2012 was procured from the issuance of bonds. The nation's dependence on borrowing is serious.
税収と歳出のギャップを埋めるため、政府はここ数年、年間５０兆円規模の国債を発行している。２０１２年度も一般会計の総額９０兆円のうち、半分を占めるという深刻な借金財政に陥った。
It is appalling that the issuance of new bonds has exceeded tax revenues for three years in a row. If today's excessively low interest rates begin climbing upward, the burden of interest payments will increase significantly, making it even more difficult for the government to rebuild its finances.
新たな借金が３年連続で税収を上回る現状は、尋常ではない。現在の超低金利が上昇に転じれば、国債の利払いが一気に増大し、財政再建は一段と困難になろう。
===
Show path to rebuild finances
In their campaign platforms, the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party both have stated a goal of achieving a surplus in the primary balance by fiscal 2020 so that the government could secure policy-related expenses mainly from tax revenues without issuing new bonds. However, both parties have failed to show concrete methods on how to achieve the goal.
民主、自民両党は政権公約で、新規の借金をせずに政策的経費を税収などでまかなえるよう、基礎的な財政収支を２０年度までに黒字化する目標を掲げている。だが、その道筋は示されていない。
The first step toward sound public finances is to steadily implement the two-stage consumption tax hike scheduled to take place in April 2014 and October 2015 and to move forward the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. Even after the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent, the government is expected to face an uphill battle to rebuild the nation's finances.
財政健全化の第一歩は、１４年４月と１５年１０月に予定される消費税率の２段階引き上げを確実に実施し、社会保障・税一体改革を進めることだ。ただし、消費税率が１０％になっても、財政再建の道のりは依然として厳しい。
However, such parties as Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan), the Japanese Communist Party and Your Party have taken positions against the consumption tax hike, claiming that the government should trim wasteful budget spending first. We wonder how they would cover the surge of welfare costs without a tax hike.
ところが、日本未来の党、共産党、みんなの党などは反増税を掲げ、「消費増税の前に予算のムダを減らすべきだ」と主張する。膨らむ社会保障費を増税なしで、どうカバーしようというのか。
There is no room for the government to fall deeper into debt by further relying on government bonds, and ask future generations to clean up the mess. It is difficult to call them responsible parties as long as they tout overly optimistic future prospects that have no foundation and evade taking necessary measures that would be painful.
国債に依存して借金を重ね、将来世代に負担をつけ回す余裕はない。根拠のない甘い見通しを掲げ、痛みから逃げるだけでは、責任政党とは言えない。
===
Ishin's problematic proposal
There are also problems in the aim of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) to make the consumption tax a local tax after raising its rate to 11 percent.
消費税率を１１％に引き上げて地方税化するという日本維新の会の主張にも問題が多い。
Will it ever be possible for local governments to collect consumption tax by themselves without the help of the central government, and distribute the money properly? It is also doubtful the central government would be able to find other revenue sources to cover social security costs.
国を介さず地方が独自に消費税を徴収して配分したり、社会保障は国が別財源で手当てしたりすることが可能だろうか。
Looking at parties' campaign platforms, we have to say their efforts on spending cuts are far from sufficient. The platforms include plans to support farming and implement public works projects, measures that could result in recklessly handing out taxpayers' money. The LDP has pledged to cut personnel expenses of government officials and to review livelihood protection allowances, but their effect on spending cuts will be small.
歳出削減についても、各党の公約は踏み込み不足だ。ばらまき色の強い農業支援や公共事業などが並ぶ。自民党は公務員人件費削減や生活保護見直しを掲げているが、歳出削減の規模は小さい。
It will be important for the government to preferentially allocate limited budget resources to economic fields expected to grow in the near future, as this may result in increased tax revenues. We urge parties to more fully debate budgetary reforms that challenge the vested interests of the people concerned.
限られた予算を将来の税収増につながる成長分野に重点的に振り向けることが重要だ。各党は既得権に切り込む予算改革をもっと議論すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 6, 2012)
（2012年12月6日01時09分 読売新聞）
2012/12/07
衆院選公示 確かな日本の針路見据えたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 6, 2012)
Voters--pick the party that offers solid course for Japan
衆院選公示 確かな日本の針路見据えたい（12月5日付・読売社説）
◆無責任な主張に惑わされぬよう◆
Can Japan maintain its national strength, or will it stray down a course of decline? In the upcoming House of Representatives election, voters will make an extremely important choice that will decide the future course of Japan.
国力を維持していけるのか、それとも衰退の道をたどるのか。日本の針路を決める上で、極めて重要な選択である。
Official campaigning has started for the 46th lower house election. It is an unusual election in that it is being contested by 12 political parties, including the two major ones--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party.
第４６回衆院選が公示された。民主、自民の２大政党をはじめ１２の政党が乱立して争う異例の選挙戦となった。
In his first stump speech, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the question in this election is "whether we move forward or return to old politics." He stressed that his party aims to become the largest party in the lower house. LDP President Shinzo Abe, meanwhile, said, "Together with New Komeito, the LDP will definitely win a majority and take back power." All eyes are on whether the DPJ or the LDP will end up holding the tiller of government.
第一声で野田首相は「前に進むか、昔に戻るか」と訴え、第１党を目指すとしている。自民党の安倍総裁は「断固として自民党、公明党で過半数を獲得し、政権奪還を目指す」と語った。どちらが政権を担うかが、最大の焦点だ。
===
3rd force may affect new govt
◆第３極も新政権に影響◆
If Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and Your Party, which aim to become a third major force to rival the DPJ and the LDP, grow stronger, they could affect the framework of the new administration.
民主、自民両党に対抗して「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会、日本未来の党、みんなの党の勢力伸長は、新政権の枠組みに影響する。
While Abe scotched suggestions his party might form a coalition government with the DPJ, he said cooperation with Ishin no Kai remains an option.
安倍氏は、民主党との連立政権を否定する一方、維新の会との連携は選択肢の一つだと述べた。
Even if the LDP becomes the largest party in the lower chamber, it still does not have a majority in the House of Councillors--even with the help of Komeito and Ishin no Kai. Consequently, the Diet likely will remain divided until the upper house election in summer next year.
衆院で自民党が第１党になった場合でも、参院の議席は公明党や維新の会と合わせても過半数には届かない。
With elections being what they are, it is natural for political parties to compete with each other. However, they will also need to maneuver with one eye on the possibility of forming a coalition or partial alliance after the election. Parties are being tested on how they will break away from "politics characterized by indecision."
来夏の参院選まで、衆参のねじれが続く公算が大きい。
選挙である以上、各党が競い合うのは当然だが、選挙後の連立や部分連合も考慮に入れた対応も必要だ。「決められない政治」からどう脱却するかが問われている。
Cooperation between the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito is indispensable for steadily carrying out integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate.
民自公３党の協力は、消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を今後、着実に実行していくうえで欠かせない。
The consumption tax increase is necessary for rebuilding state finances, which are teetering on the brink, and maintaining the social security system. It was only recently that the national council for revamping the social security system was launched under the initiative of the three parties. The council's discussions must be accelerated further.
消費増税は、危機に瀕(ひん)する財政を再建し、社会保障制度を維持するために必要だ。３党の主導により社会保障制度改革国民会議が発足したばかりである。議論をさらに加速させなければならない。
Fearing for their political survival, many former lower house members who bolted from the DPJ joined new parties and oppose the tax increase. If they insist on taking this stance, they should present realistic steps for securing the resources needed to fund social security and reconstructing public finances.
民主党を離党した前衆院議員たちの多くは、生き残りを図るために新党に移り、「反増税」を唱えている。それなら、社会保障財源の確保と、財政再建への現実的な具体策を示すべきだ。
Simply insisting they will "cut waste in administration" is too simplistic.
「行政のムダを削減する」と唱えるだけでは粗雑に過ぎる。
===
Zero nuclear option irresponsible
Parties are also at odds over policies on nuclear power and energy.
原発・エネルギー政策でも各党の主張の対立が目立つ。
Although the DPJ and the LDP will both allow nuclear reactors to be reactivated after confirmation they are safe to operate, the LDP said it will not form a conclusion on the future of nuclear power plants right away.
民主、自民両党は安全性が確認された原発の再稼働を認める点では一致するものの、自民党は原発の将来像に早急には結論を出さないとしている。
◆「脱原発」の安売りでは◆
The DPJ, on the other hand, aims to end the nation's reliance on nuclear power generation in the 2030s. Mirai no To calls for abolishing nuclear generation in 10 years, while Your Party says it will end nuclear reliance in the 2020s. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party champion ending nuclear generation immediately.
一方で、民主党は２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロを目指す。未来の党は１０年以内に全原発廃炉、みんなの党は２０年代の原発ゼロを掲げている。共産、社民両党は即時ゼロという立場だ。
It is irresponsible to call for ending the use of nuclear power. Parties that trumpet this stance must explain in detail how they would ensure a stable power supply and deal with the inevitable negative impacts on the economy, employment and household spending, and the drain of Japan's nuclear engineers. Without doing so, their arguments will not be compelling to voters.
「原発ゼロ」は無責任である。電力の安定供給、経済・雇用や家計への打撃、原子力関連技術者の流出など様々な懸念について、具体的な解決策を示さないようでは、説得力を持たない。
Taking the "zero nuclear" option will erode Japan's strength, and clearly make it more difficult to provide full social security programs and guarantee national security.
国力をそぐ原発ゼロでは、社会保障の充実も、安全保障の確保も難しくなるのは明らかだ。
The most important task right now is economic revitalization. Conquering deflation and the ultra-strong yen will be essential for achieving an economic recovery.
何より重要なのは、経済再生である。デフレ・超円高を克服し、景気を回復することが急務だ。
The LDP has laid out an inflation target of 2 percent, and plans to implement bold monetary easing to achieve this goal. We applaud this policy.
自民党が、「明確な物価目標２％」を設定し、その達成に向けて大胆な金融緩和を行う考えを打ち出したのは評価できる。
Many parties, including the DPJ and the LDP, list economic growth as one of their campaign pledges. But they have failed to present a clear vision for achieving it.
民主、自民など多くの党が高い経済成長の達成を公約しているが、道筋は不透明だ。
It is important that voters scrutinize the parties' campaign platforms to find out which party offers effective economic stimulus and monetary policies.
どの党が有効な景気対策、金融政策を掲げているか、中身を見極めることが大切である。
The diplomatic and security environments surrounding Japan have been going through dramatic changes.
日本を取り巻く外交・安全保障の環境は変貌を遂げつつある。
The DPJ-led administration's ham-fisted handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station badly strained the Japan-U.S. alliance. Chinese marine surveillance ships have regularly intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and North Korea announced it is preparing to test-launch a ballistic missile.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を巡る民主党政権の失政で、日米同盟が大きく揺らいだ。沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺海域では中国公船の領海侵入が相次ぎ、北朝鮮は弾道ミサイルの発射を予告している。
The DPJ, the LDP and Ishin no Kai have quite rightly called for bolstering and deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance. Improving relations with Washington will be necessary also as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. Allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense could be an effective tool for that purpose.
民主、自民、維新の会などが日米同盟の強化・深化を掲げているのは当然である。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国をけん制するためにも、米国との関係改善が必要だ。集団的自衛権の行使を認めることは有力な手段となろう。
===
Discuss constitutional revision
◆あるべき国家像を語れ◆
Political parties also have a responsibility to deepen discussions about revising the Constitution to present a new vision for Japan.
目指すべき国家像を示す憲法改正について議論を深めることも、政党の重要な責務である。
Voters, for their part, must be careful not to be swayed by populist slogans and sentiments. The parties' pledges include hardly any calls for increasing public burdens, except for the consumption tax increase. Why? The nation cannot just keep kicking the fiscal deficit can down the road for the next generation to deal with.
有権者の側も大衆迎合のスローガンやムードに惑わされないよう注意したい。消費増税を除いて、各党の公約に負担増を求める政策がほとんどないのはなぜか。次世代にツケを回すのは限界だ。
In the previous 2009 lower house election, many voters got swept up by the climate of "letting the DPJ lead the nation for once." Will similar expectations be held this time for parties striving to become a third political force?
前回衆院選では「一度は民主党に政権を任せてみよう」という空気に国民が流された。今回も同様に第３極に期待が集まるのか。
We hope voters will listen closely to what candidates say during the campaign to determine which party offers prescriptions that can address the tough challenges the country faces.
日本が直面する難問に、責任ある処方箋を掲げているのはどの政党か。真摯(しんし)に耳を傾けたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 5, 2012)
（2012年12月5日01時28分 読売新聞）
Voters--pick the party that offers solid course for Japan
衆院選公示 確かな日本の針路見据えたい（12月5日付・読売社説）
◆無責任な主張に惑わされぬよう◆
Can Japan maintain its national strength, or will it stray down a course of decline? In the upcoming House of Representatives election, voters will make an extremely important choice that will decide the future course of Japan.
国力を維持していけるのか、それとも衰退の道をたどるのか。日本の針路を決める上で、極めて重要な選択である。
Official campaigning has started for the 46th lower house election. It is an unusual election in that it is being contested by 12 political parties, including the two major ones--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party.
第４６回衆院選が公示された。民主、自民の２大政党をはじめ１２の政党が乱立して争う異例の選挙戦となった。
In his first stump speech, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the question in this election is "whether we move forward or return to old politics." He stressed that his party aims to become the largest party in the lower house. LDP President Shinzo Abe, meanwhile, said, "Together with New Komeito, the LDP will definitely win a majority and take back power." All eyes are on whether the DPJ or the LDP will end up holding the tiller of government.
第一声で野田首相は「前に進むか、昔に戻るか」と訴え、第１党を目指すとしている。自民党の安倍総裁は「断固として自民党、公明党で過半数を獲得し、政権奪還を目指す」と語った。どちらが政権を担うかが、最大の焦点だ。
===
3rd force may affect new govt
◆第３極も新政権に影響◆
If Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and Your Party, which aim to become a third major force to rival the DPJ and the LDP, grow stronger, they could affect the framework of the new administration.
民主、自民両党に対抗して「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会、日本未来の党、みんなの党の勢力伸長は、新政権の枠組みに影響する。
While Abe scotched suggestions his party might form a coalition government with the DPJ, he said cooperation with Ishin no Kai remains an option.
安倍氏は、民主党との連立政権を否定する一方、維新の会との連携は選択肢の一つだと述べた。
Even if the LDP becomes the largest party in the lower chamber, it still does not have a majority in the House of Councillors--even with the help of Komeito and Ishin no Kai. Consequently, the Diet likely will remain divided until the upper house election in summer next year.
衆院で自民党が第１党になった場合でも、参院の議席は公明党や維新の会と合わせても過半数には届かない。
With elections being what they are, it is natural for political parties to compete with each other. However, they will also need to maneuver with one eye on the possibility of forming a coalition or partial alliance after the election. Parties are being tested on how they will break away from "politics characterized by indecision."
来夏の参院選まで、衆参のねじれが続く公算が大きい。
選挙である以上、各党が競い合うのは当然だが、選挙後の連立や部分連合も考慮に入れた対応も必要だ。「決められない政治」からどう脱却するかが問われている。
Cooperation between the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito is indispensable for steadily carrying out integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate.
民自公３党の協力は、消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を今後、着実に実行していくうえで欠かせない。
The consumption tax increase is necessary for rebuilding state finances, which are teetering on the brink, and maintaining the social security system. It was only recently that the national council for revamping the social security system was launched under the initiative of the three parties. The council's discussions must be accelerated further.
消費増税は、危機に瀕(ひん)する財政を再建し、社会保障制度を維持するために必要だ。３党の主導により社会保障制度改革国民会議が発足したばかりである。議論をさらに加速させなければならない。
Fearing for their political survival, many former lower house members who bolted from the DPJ joined new parties and oppose the tax increase. If they insist on taking this stance, they should present realistic steps for securing the resources needed to fund social security and reconstructing public finances.
民主党を離党した前衆院議員たちの多くは、生き残りを図るために新党に移り、「反増税」を唱えている。それなら、社会保障財源の確保と、財政再建への現実的な具体策を示すべきだ。
Simply insisting they will "cut waste in administration" is too simplistic.
「行政のムダを削減する」と唱えるだけでは粗雑に過ぎる。
===
Zero nuclear option irresponsible
Parties are also at odds over policies on nuclear power and energy.
原発・エネルギー政策でも各党の主張の対立が目立つ。
Although the DPJ and the LDP will both allow nuclear reactors to be reactivated after confirmation they are safe to operate, the LDP said it will not form a conclusion on the future of nuclear power plants right away.
民主、自民両党は安全性が確認された原発の再稼働を認める点では一致するものの、自民党は原発の将来像に早急には結論を出さないとしている。
◆「脱原発」の安売りでは◆
The DPJ, on the other hand, aims to end the nation's reliance on nuclear power generation in the 2030s. Mirai no To calls for abolishing nuclear generation in 10 years, while Your Party says it will end nuclear reliance in the 2020s. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party champion ending nuclear generation immediately.
一方で、民主党は２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロを目指す。未来の党は１０年以内に全原発廃炉、みんなの党は２０年代の原発ゼロを掲げている。共産、社民両党は即時ゼロという立場だ。
It is irresponsible to call for ending the use of nuclear power. Parties that trumpet this stance must explain in detail how they would ensure a stable power supply and deal with the inevitable negative impacts on the economy, employment and household spending, and the drain of Japan's nuclear engineers. Without doing so, their arguments will not be compelling to voters.
「原発ゼロ」は無責任である。電力の安定供給、経済・雇用や家計への打撃、原子力関連技術者の流出など様々な懸念について、具体的な解決策を示さないようでは、説得力を持たない。
Taking the "zero nuclear" option will erode Japan's strength, and clearly make it more difficult to provide full social security programs and guarantee national security.
国力をそぐ原発ゼロでは、社会保障の充実も、安全保障の確保も難しくなるのは明らかだ。
The most important task right now is economic revitalization. Conquering deflation and the ultra-strong yen will be essential for achieving an economic recovery.
何より重要なのは、経済再生である。デフレ・超円高を克服し、景気を回復することが急務だ。
The LDP has laid out an inflation target of 2 percent, and plans to implement bold monetary easing to achieve this goal. We applaud this policy.
自民党が、「明確な物価目標２％」を設定し、その達成に向けて大胆な金融緩和を行う考えを打ち出したのは評価できる。
Many parties, including the DPJ and the LDP, list economic growth as one of their campaign pledges. But they have failed to present a clear vision for achieving it.
民主、自民など多くの党が高い経済成長の達成を公約しているが、道筋は不透明だ。
It is important that voters scrutinize the parties' campaign platforms to find out which party offers effective economic stimulus and monetary policies.
どの党が有効な景気対策、金融政策を掲げているか、中身を見極めることが大切である。
The diplomatic and security environments surrounding Japan have been going through dramatic changes.
日本を取り巻く外交・安全保障の環境は変貌を遂げつつある。
The DPJ-led administration's ham-fisted handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station badly strained the Japan-U.S. alliance. Chinese marine surveillance ships have regularly intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and North Korea announced it is preparing to test-launch a ballistic missile.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を巡る民主党政権の失政で、日米同盟が大きく揺らいだ。沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺海域では中国公船の領海侵入が相次ぎ、北朝鮮は弾道ミサイルの発射を予告している。
The DPJ, the LDP and Ishin no Kai have quite rightly called for bolstering and deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance. Improving relations with Washington will be necessary also as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. Allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense could be an effective tool for that purpose.
民主、自民、維新の会などが日米同盟の強化・深化を掲げているのは当然である。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国をけん制するためにも、米国との関係改善が必要だ。集団的自衛権の行使を認めることは有力な手段となろう。
===
Discuss constitutional revision
◆あるべき国家像を語れ◆
Political parties also have a responsibility to deepen discussions about revising the Constitution to present a new vision for Japan.
目指すべき国家像を示す憲法改正について議論を深めることも、政党の重要な責務である。
Voters, for their part, must be careful not to be swayed by populist slogans and sentiments. The parties' pledges include hardly any calls for increasing public burdens, except for the consumption tax increase. Why? The nation cannot just keep kicking the fiscal deficit can down the road for the next generation to deal with.
有権者の側も大衆迎合のスローガンやムードに惑わされないよう注意したい。消費増税を除いて、各党の公約に負担増を求める政策がほとんどないのはなぜか。次世代にツケを回すのは限界だ。
In the previous 2009 lower house election, many voters got swept up by the climate of "letting the DPJ lead the nation for once." Will similar expectations be held this time for parties striving to become a third political force?
前回衆院選では「一度は民主党に政権を任せてみよう」という空気に国民が流された。今回も同様に第３極に期待が集まるのか。
We hope voters will listen closely to what candidates say during the campaign to determine which party offers prescriptions that can address the tough challenges the country faces.
日本が直面する難問に、責任ある処方箋を掲げているのはどの政党か。真摯(しんし)に耳を傾けたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 5, 2012)
（2012年12月5日01時28分 読売新聞）
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