DPP leader rejects food tax cut bill in current form

The leader of Japan's opposition Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, declared on Wednesday that his party would be unable to back the current government bill to reduce the consumption tax rate for food items and introduce a benefit program based on income levels. Speaking at a party executive meeting, Tamaki suggested that the DPP would make a decision regarding their support after assessing whether the government and ruling coalition would accept their alternative proposal.

Earlier that day, the DPP had debated their stance on the government's bill during a party meeting, but no consensus was reached as some members supported the legislation while others opposed it, citing concerns that the middle class would bear a heavier tax burden after the tax cuts expired in April 2029. The DPP has presented a counterproposal to the House of Representatives, proposing cuts in resident and income taxes; however, progress in this regard remains limited.

Party members also decided to submit a similar bill to the Senate, the upper house of the Diet. Opposition party Komeito's acting representative, Toshiko Takeya, expressed uncertainty about the government's explanations regarding the tax cut's effects, stating, "It is far too early to say the conditions are in place for Komeito to support the legislation."

Takeshi Shina, secretary-general of the opposition Democratic Reform Party, echoed this sentiment, stating, "It is difficult to find any grounds for supporting the legislation."