Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda instructed members of a reform panel to map out a draft of social security and tax reforms, including a consumption tax hike, showing his desire to come up with a specific tax rate and timing of the hike.
Noda's leadership, however, is expected to be put to the test in the face of growing caution within the Democratic Party of Japan and concerns over tense situations including a possible split in the party.
Noda spoke on Monday to related Cabinet ministers and senior DPJ members at the first meeting of the Headquarters of the Government and Ruling Parties for Social Security Reform, which he leads. In his speech, Noda said relevant discussions should be expanded within the government and ruling parties to work out a draft by year-end. The draft, to be submitted for discussion across party lines, would expand on the plan compiled in June to raise the consumption tax to 10 percent by the mid-2010s. (Yomiuri)
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