Abe seeks parties' support for delaying tax rate hike

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought understanding from senior members of his Liberal Democratic Party on Monday over his intention to postpone the consumption tax rate hike to 10 percent by 2½ years.

Abe met individually with LDP Vice President Masahiko Komura, party General Council Chairman Toshihiro Nikai and Policy Research Council Chairman Tomomi Inada at the Prime Minister’s Office and explained his plan to delay the consumption tax rate hike from April next year to October 2019.

The prime minister also told the senior party leaders that he believes that it is not necessary to hold a House of Representatives election at the same time as the House of Councillors election this summer, according to sources.

Later, Abe also met with Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi at the Prime Minister’s Office, and explained his view on the timing of the consumption tax hike.

The leader of the LDP’s junior coalition partner did not provide an immediate response, saying he has to discuss the issue with party members.

“I felt that the prime minister has a strong intention [to postpone the consumption tax hike],” Yamaguchi told reporters after the meeting with Abe.

(THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN)