TOKYO: MOTEGI Toshimitsu, secretary-general of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the Sept. 27 LDP presidential election.

“I’ll promote policies without tax hikes,” Motegi told a news conference in Tokyo, pledging to suspend planned additional government expenditures of 1 trillion yen each to boost defense capabilities and for childcare support.

“If there are no results within three years, I will take responsibility,” he stressed. It is the first time for Motegi to run in an LDP leadership race.

He also promised to abolish policy activity expenses as part of political reform in the wake of the high-profile slush funds scandal involving LDP factions. Currently, how such expenses are used does not have to be disclosed.

Motegi also said that he plans law revision to impose a tax on political funds collected through fundraising parties.

He expressed eagerness to declare an end to deflation within six months, while indicating that he is negative about increasing the financial income tax.

JIJI Press