スポンサードリンク
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 6
EDITORIAL: New system needed to ensure public input on nuclear power
「原発ゼロ」社会：下 市民の熟議で信頼構築を
The devastating accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant last year has evoked serious public distrust of politicians, bureaucrats and scientists.
福島第一原発の事故をきっかけに、政治や行政、科学者などへの不信と疑念が広がった。
What needs to be done to stop the continuing growth of public distrust and restore their credibility with the people?
その連鎖を断ち切り、信頼を再構築するにはどうしたらいいのだろうか。
The government has promised to promote “national debate” as part of its efforts to map out a new nuclear power and energy policy. Specifically, it plans to sort out the possible policy options that have been discussed by related advisory councils and study groups and present them to the people.
政府は新たな原発・エネルギー政策に向けた「国民的議論」を掲げる。関係する審議会や調査会で検討してきた選択肢を整理して、国民に提示する。
The government says it is aiming to build a national consensus on the future direction of the policy by summer.
夏までに今後の方向性について合意を目指す考えという。
But not all the assumptions for the debate are clear.
ただ、議論の前提が整っているわけではない。
The government’s committee looking into the nuclear accident has yet to compile its report. The proposed new nuclear safety watchdog, tentatively named the “Nuclear Regulatory Agency,” has yet to be created. It will be even longer before new nuclear safety standards are established.
政府の事故調査委員会の報告はまだだ。原子力規制庁（仮称）もできていない。原発の新しい安全基準作りはさらに先になる。
The power supply and demand situation this summer and progress in the efforts to promote use of renewable energy sources will also influence the debate.
この夏の電力需給や自然エネルギーの普及度合いも議論を左右する。
A well-thought-out plan and its careful implementation are vital. A rough-and-ready approach could even deepen the people’s distrust.
知恵を絞る必要がある。拙速にことを運べば、かえって不信を広げかねない。
ORDINARY PEOPLE LEARN
■普通の人々が学ぶ
Western industrial nations have responded to “crises of credibility” of experts involved in policymaking, such as scientists, by trying to restore public confidence in them through in-depth discussions among citizens.
欧米では、科学者ら専門家への「信頼の危機」に見舞われた際、市民参加による熟議を通じて信頼の再生を図ってきた。
When the credibility of scientists who ruled out the transmission of mad cow disease to humans was shattered, for example, Britain began to make serious efforts to promote policy debate involving ordinary citizens. Some 20,000 citizens took part in the debate over genetically modified food, including people who did so through the Internet. Various forums were established also for discussions on the safety of nanotechnology.
たとえば、英国は牛海綿状脳症（ＢＳＥ）のヒトへの感染を否定した専門家の信頼が地に落ち、市民参加型の議論に本腰を入れた。遺伝子組み換え作物をめぐる議論にはネット経由を含め２万人が参加した。ナノテクノロジーの安全性でも、様々な議論の場が設けられた。
Science and technology make our lives more comfortable and convenient but can also produce some unexpected side effects and risks.
科学技術は暮らしを便利にするが、思わぬ副作用や危険性もある。
As the world has experienced many serious cases of public pollution and major accidents, there is now a growing global trend toward giving public opinion more influence over policy decisions on such issues as whether to permit the practical use of specific technologies.
公害や大事故などを経て、実用化の是非などに社会の意見を反映する流れが世界的に加速している。
At the same time, a broad array of schemes have been devised to allow citizens to participate in the policymaking process as a way to shore up eroding public confidence in democracy.
一方、低下傾向にある民主政治への信認を補う目的でも、政策形成に市民が加わるさまざまな仕組みが考案されてきた。
The nuclear power and energy policy is one of the biggest themes that should reflect these two trends.
原発・エネルギー政策は、この二つの流れが重なる最大級のテーマといえる。
In Japan, however, the atomic energy policy has been plagued by fake democracy. Spurious efforts to seek the opinions of local communities that are actually designed to justify the predetermined plans to build nuclear power facilities have been rampant.
日本の原発政策では住民の意見を聞く形をとりながら、実際は既定の方針を正当化する「名ばかり民主主義」が横行してきた。
The bleak situation was highlighted anew by Kyushu Electric Power Co.’s attempt to manipulate public opinion on the resumption of operations at its Genkai nuclear power plant by using hundreds of its employees to send pro-nuclear e-mails to a TV program on the issue.
九州電力で発覚したやらせメールはその典型例だ。
In contrast, major Western countries generally have fairer and more transparent systems for citizen participation in policy debate. Typically, several dozens of “ordinary citizens” are chosen at random for debate on a specific policy issue to ensure that the participants represent a good cross section of society.
これに対し、欧米での市民参加型では、無作為抽出などで数十人程度の「普通の人々」を選ぶのが一般的だ。いわば「社会の縮図」である。
After learning the basics of the issue, the participants think them over and discuss the issue at leisure. Usually, the participants are asked to express their opinions through proposals and questionnaires as summaries of the results of the debate. Their opinions are considered by the government and the legislature.
参加者は基礎知識を学んだうえでじっくり考え、議論する。その結果を意見書やアンケートで集約し、行政や議会に尊重させるといった流れをとる。
To win the trust of society, such policy debate must be independent, neutral and transparent.
議論が社会から信用されるための生命線は、独立、中立、そして透明性だ。
That means debate needs to be organized and sponsored by a neutral and independent body and moderated by experienced staff skilled in avoiding leading debate in a certain direction. It is also important to make clear the relationship of the experts chosen to support the debate with the industry and the government.
中立で独立した主催者のもとで、議論を誘導しないよう習熟したスタッフが進行役をつとめる。議事に協力する専門家が業界や行政とどんな関係にあるのかも明らかにする。
'COMMON SENSE' AS SUPPLEMENT
■補完としての「常識」
This approach is no magic wand. It requires time and money. The citizens have no power to make the final policy decision. The system doesn’t replace the legislature composed of elected representatives.
これらの方法は決して魔法の杖ではない。手間も金もかかるうえ、最終的な決定権はない。選挙で選ばれた議会に代わるわけではない。
All that such a system can do is to show the provisional common sense among citizens at that time, which can only play a supplementary role.
あくまで補完として、その時々の暫定的な市民社会の常識を示すにすぎない。
Still, it can make up for the shortcomings of the traditional policymaking process, at least to some extent. It can make visible citizens’ good sense as well as differences in the principles and tenets on which they cannot compromise.
それでも、これまでのやり方の欠点を補う力はある。市民の良識や、譲れない信条の違いを「見える化」する。
These are functions that are needed for meaningful debate to overcome the sharp division among Japanese over the future of nuclear power generation in this nation.
賛否両極に大きく割れる原発議論を乗り越えるには必要な機能だ。
If the results of such careful and in-depth policy debate are handed down to the next generation, that would give an incentive for people living now to respect the right of “future generations” to make decisions. This is one realistic way to tackle policy challenges that will affect many generations to come, such as how to dispose of spent nuclear fuel.
熟議の成果を次世代へリレーするなら、「将来世代」の意思決定権を尊重する動機もはたらく。使用済み核燃料の処分など末代まで関わる問題に、ひとつの方法を示唆してもいよう。
In addition, this approach is also useful for solving the dilemma posed by the fact that elections don’t necessarily guarantee the best choices for specific policy issues because they are fought over the campaign platforms of the parties that contain a wide range of proposals.
さらに、各政党がさまざまな政策を掲げる選挙では個別政策で必ずしも最適の選択ができない、というジレンマを解きほぐすのにも有効だ。
In the city of Tokushima, citizens that didn’t belong to either camp in debate over the construction of a sluice-gate dam in the Yoshinogawa river held many meetings to study the issue. Their fruitful efforts prompted the city to hold a referendum on the issue.
かつて徳島市では吉野川の可動堰（ぜき）問題をめぐり、賛否から距離を置く市民が勉強会を数多く開き、その実績を踏まえて市が住民投票を行ったことがある。
There can also be a system to hold popular referendums on national policy issues after several years of promoting such in-depth grassroots debate on the issues.
国政でも、草の根の熟議を継続させ、数年間の実績を経てから国民投票にかける仕組みもありえよう。
In preparing for the envisioned national debate on the nation’s energy future, the government should entrust a neutral party to manage the actual operations and take steps to make sure there is an exhaustive and constructive debate that is beneficial for future generations as well.
政府が考える国民的議論も、中立的な担い手に運営を任せたうえで、もっと時間をかけ、議論を将来につなげるよう、工夫してはどうだろう。
The government should craft specific plans to implement its policy of phasing out nuclear power generation in Japan as soon as possible. But continuing in-depth debate on the nuclear power policy would help promote public understanding and periodical reviews of the policy.
政府としては脱原発依存の方針を早く具体化すべきだが、熟議型の議論を続けることは政策の定着や見直しに役立つ。
ROLE OF THE DIET
■国会で制度作りを
The Diet should play a leading role in the efforts to promote such in-depth policy debate by citizens.
市民参加型の熟議を支えるうえで、大きな役割を果たしているのが議会（国会）だ。
In Japan, the Diet has set up its own investigative committee to uncover the facts about the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
日本でも福島事故では国会が調査委員会を設け、事実究明に力を注いでいる。
We urge the Diet to show a commitment to fostering broad consensus among the people on related issues.
ここは、民意の熟成にも目配りしてほしい。
There is actually a long list of formidable policy challenges that will go beyond the current generation, including integrated tax and social security reform as well as the reinvention of the nuclear power and energy policy.
原発・エネルギーに限らず、税と社会保障改革など世代を超えた難題は目白押しである。
Lawmakers should consider setting up a new executive office within the Diet to organize meetings for in-depth discussions among citizens on policy issues and help universities, nonprofit organizations and other neutral bodies hold such public hearings as well.
国会に事務局を置き、自ら熟議集会を主催したり、大学やＮＰＯなど中立組織による開催を支援したりしてはどうか。
People tend to long for a strong leader when their distrust of politics and confusion about policy issues deepen.
不信と混迷が深まると、強い指導者を求めがちだ。
But the only way to secure real progress in democracy is to get citizens more deeply involved in the policymaking process and in the efforts to solve policy issues as their own challenges.
しかし、政策への市民の関与を強め、わがこととして解決する道こそが民主主義を深化させる。
EDITORIAL: New system needed to ensure public input on nuclear power
「原発ゼロ」社会：下 市民の熟議で信頼構築を
The devastating accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant last year has evoked serious public distrust of politicians, bureaucrats and scientists.
福島第一原発の事故をきっかけに、政治や行政、科学者などへの不信と疑念が広がった。
What needs to be done to stop the continuing growth of public distrust and restore their credibility with the people?
その連鎖を断ち切り、信頼を再構築するにはどうしたらいいのだろうか。
The government has promised to promote “national debate” as part of its efforts to map out a new nuclear power and energy policy. Specifically, it plans to sort out the possible policy options that have been discussed by related advisory councils and study groups and present them to the people.
政府は新たな原発・エネルギー政策に向けた「国民的議論」を掲げる。関係する審議会や調査会で検討してきた選択肢を整理して、国民に提示する。
The government says it is aiming to build a national consensus on the future direction of the policy by summer.
夏までに今後の方向性について合意を目指す考えという。
But not all the assumptions for the debate are clear.
ただ、議論の前提が整っているわけではない。
The government’s committee looking into the nuclear accident has yet to compile its report. The proposed new nuclear safety watchdog, tentatively named the “Nuclear Regulatory Agency,” has yet to be created. It will be even longer before new nuclear safety standards are established.
政府の事故調査委員会の報告はまだだ。原子力規制庁（仮称）もできていない。原発の新しい安全基準作りはさらに先になる。
The power supply and demand situation this summer and progress in the efforts to promote use of renewable energy sources will also influence the debate.
この夏の電力需給や自然エネルギーの普及度合いも議論を左右する。
A well-thought-out plan and its careful implementation are vital. A rough-and-ready approach could even deepen the people’s distrust.
知恵を絞る必要がある。拙速にことを運べば、かえって不信を広げかねない。
ORDINARY PEOPLE LEARN
■普通の人々が学ぶ
Western industrial nations have responded to “crises of credibility” of experts involved in policymaking, such as scientists, by trying to restore public confidence in them through in-depth discussions among citizens.
欧米では、科学者ら専門家への「信頼の危機」に見舞われた際、市民参加による熟議を通じて信頼の再生を図ってきた。
When the credibility of scientists who ruled out the transmission of mad cow disease to humans was shattered, for example, Britain began to make serious efforts to promote policy debate involving ordinary citizens. Some 20,000 citizens took part in the debate over genetically modified food, including people who did so through the Internet. Various forums were established also for discussions on the safety of nanotechnology.
たとえば、英国は牛海綿状脳症（ＢＳＥ）のヒトへの感染を否定した専門家の信頼が地に落ち、市民参加型の議論に本腰を入れた。遺伝子組み換え作物をめぐる議論にはネット経由を含め２万人が参加した。ナノテクノロジーの安全性でも、様々な議論の場が設けられた。
Science and technology make our lives more comfortable and convenient but can also produce some unexpected side effects and risks.
科学技術は暮らしを便利にするが、思わぬ副作用や危険性もある。
As the world has experienced many serious cases of public pollution and major accidents, there is now a growing global trend toward giving public opinion more influence over policy decisions on such issues as whether to permit the practical use of specific technologies.
公害や大事故などを経て、実用化の是非などに社会の意見を反映する流れが世界的に加速している。
At the same time, a broad array of schemes have been devised to allow citizens to participate in the policymaking process as a way to shore up eroding public confidence in democracy.
一方、低下傾向にある民主政治への信認を補う目的でも、政策形成に市民が加わるさまざまな仕組みが考案されてきた。
The nuclear power and energy policy is one of the biggest themes that should reflect these two trends.
原発・エネルギー政策は、この二つの流れが重なる最大級のテーマといえる。
In Japan, however, the atomic energy policy has been plagued by fake democracy. Spurious efforts to seek the opinions of local communities that are actually designed to justify the predetermined plans to build nuclear power facilities have been rampant.
日本の原発政策では住民の意見を聞く形をとりながら、実際は既定の方針を正当化する「名ばかり民主主義」が横行してきた。
The bleak situation was highlighted anew by Kyushu Electric Power Co.’s attempt to manipulate public opinion on the resumption of operations at its Genkai nuclear power plant by using hundreds of its employees to send pro-nuclear e-mails to a TV program on the issue.
九州電力で発覚したやらせメールはその典型例だ。
In contrast, major Western countries generally have fairer and more transparent systems for citizen participation in policy debate. Typically, several dozens of “ordinary citizens” are chosen at random for debate on a specific policy issue to ensure that the participants represent a good cross section of society.
これに対し、欧米での市民参加型では、無作為抽出などで数十人程度の「普通の人々」を選ぶのが一般的だ。いわば「社会の縮図」である。
After learning the basics of the issue, the participants think them over and discuss the issue at leisure. Usually, the participants are asked to express their opinions through proposals and questionnaires as summaries of the results of the debate. Their opinions are considered by the government and the legislature.
参加者は基礎知識を学んだうえでじっくり考え、議論する。その結果を意見書やアンケートで集約し、行政や議会に尊重させるといった流れをとる。
To win the trust of society, such policy debate must be independent, neutral and transparent.
議論が社会から信用されるための生命線は、独立、中立、そして透明性だ。
That means debate needs to be organized and sponsored by a neutral and independent body and moderated by experienced staff skilled in avoiding leading debate in a certain direction. It is also important to make clear the relationship of the experts chosen to support the debate with the industry and the government.
中立で独立した主催者のもとで、議論を誘導しないよう習熟したスタッフが進行役をつとめる。議事に協力する専門家が業界や行政とどんな関係にあるのかも明らかにする。
'COMMON SENSE' AS SUPPLEMENT
■補完としての「常識」
This approach is no magic wand. It requires time and money. The citizens have no power to make the final policy decision. The system doesn’t replace the legislature composed of elected representatives.
これらの方法は決して魔法の杖ではない。手間も金もかかるうえ、最終的な決定権はない。選挙で選ばれた議会に代わるわけではない。
All that such a system can do is to show the provisional common sense among citizens at that time, which can only play a supplementary role.
あくまで補完として、その時々の暫定的な市民社会の常識を示すにすぎない。
Still, it can make up for the shortcomings of the traditional policymaking process, at least to some extent. It can make visible citizens’ good sense as well as differences in the principles and tenets on which they cannot compromise.
それでも、これまでのやり方の欠点を補う力はある。市民の良識や、譲れない信条の違いを「見える化」する。
These are functions that are needed for meaningful debate to overcome the sharp division among Japanese over the future of nuclear power generation in this nation.
賛否両極に大きく割れる原発議論を乗り越えるには必要な機能だ。
If the results of such careful and in-depth policy debate are handed down to the next generation, that would give an incentive for people living now to respect the right of “future generations” to make decisions. This is one realistic way to tackle policy challenges that will affect many generations to come, such as how to dispose of spent nuclear fuel.
熟議の成果を次世代へリレーするなら、「将来世代」の意思決定権を尊重する動機もはたらく。使用済み核燃料の処分など末代まで関わる問題に、ひとつの方法を示唆してもいよう。
In addition, this approach is also useful for solving the dilemma posed by the fact that elections don’t necessarily guarantee the best choices for specific policy issues because they are fought over the campaign platforms of the parties that contain a wide range of proposals.
さらに、各政党がさまざまな政策を掲げる選挙では個別政策で必ずしも最適の選択ができない、というジレンマを解きほぐすのにも有効だ。
In the city of Tokushima, citizens that didn’t belong to either camp in debate over the construction of a sluice-gate dam in the Yoshinogawa river held many meetings to study the issue. Their fruitful efforts prompted the city to hold a referendum on the issue.
かつて徳島市では吉野川の可動堰（ぜき）問題をめぐり、賛否から距離を置く市民が勉強会を数多く開き、その実績を踏まえて市が住民投票を行ったことがある。
There can also be a system to hold popular referendums on national policy issues after several years of promoting such in-depth grassroots debate on the issues.
国政でも、草の根の熟議を継続させ、数年間の実績を経てから国民投票にかける仕組みもありえよう。
In preparing for the envisioned national debate on the nation’s energy future, the government should entrust a neutral party to manage the actual operations and take steps to make sure there is an exhaustive and constructive debate that is beneficial for future generations as well.
政府が考える国民的議論も、中立的な担い手に運営を任せたうえで、もっと時間をかけ、議論を将来につなげるよう、工夫してはどうだろう。
The government should craft specific plans to implement its policy of phasing out nuclear power generation in Japan as soon as possible. But continuing in-depth debate on the nuclear power policy would help promote public understanding and periodical reviews of the policy.
政府としては脱原発依存の方針を早く具体化すべきだが、熟議型の議論を続けることは政策の定着や見直しに役立つ。
ROLE OF THE DIET
■国会で制度作りを
The Diet should play a leading role in the efforts to promote such in-depth policy debate by citizens.
市民参加型の熟議を支えるうえで、大きな役割を果たしているのが議会（国会）だ。
In Japan, the Diet has set up its own investigative committee to uncover the facts about the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
日本でも福島事故では国会が調査委員会を設け、事実究明に力を注いでいる。
We urge the Diet to show a commitment to fostering broad consensus among the people on related issues.
ここは、民意の熟成にも目配りしてほしい。
There is actually a long list of formidable policy challenges that will go beyond the current generation, including integrated tax and social security reform as well as the reinvention of the nuclear power and energy policy.
原発・エネルギーに限らず、税と社会保障改革など世代を超えた難題は目白押しである。
Lawmakers should consider setting up a new executive office within the Diet to organize meetings for in-depth discussions among citizens on policy issues and help universities, nonprofit organizations and other neutral bodies hold such public hearings as well.
国会に事務局を置き、自ら熟議集会を主催したり、大学やＮＰＯなど中立組織による開催を支援したりしてはどうか。
People tend to long for a strong leader when their distrust of politics and confusion about policy issues deepen.
不信と混迷が深まると、強い指導者を求めがちだ。
But the only way to secure real progress in democracy is to get citizens more deeply involved in the policymaking process and in the efforts to solve policy issues as their own challenges.
しかし、政策への市民の関与を強め、わがこととして解決する道こそが民主主義を深化させる。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 4, 2012)
Vision of the state questioned in top law revision debate
憲法記念日 改正論議で国家観が問われる（5月3日付・読売社説）
◆高まる緊急事態法制の必要性
Japan is currently facing many pending issues at home and abroad, such as reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, resolving the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and dealing with China, which is expanding its economic and military power.
日本は今、東日本大震災からの復興や原子力発電所事故の収束、経済・軍事で膨張する中国への対応など、内外に多くの懸案を抱えている。
Since what the state should be is being questioned, we should go back to basics. The ruling and opposition parties should pursue the ideal form this country should take by deepening their discussions on constitutional revisions.
国家のあり方が問われているからこそ、基本に戻りたい。与野党は憲法改正の論議を深め、あるべき国家像を追求すべきだ。
◆主権回復６０年の節目に
Ahead of last Saturday, April 28, the 60th anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty coming into force, the Liberal Democratic Party released the second draft of its proposed revisions to the Constitution.
サンフランシスコ講和条約の発効からちょうど６０年を迎えた４月２８日を前に、自民党は、第２次憲法改正草案を発表した。
LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki stressed the necessity of constitutional revisions, a fundamental issue that led to the party's formation, saying it is something "we should've tackled when Japan regained sovereignty."
谷垣総裁は「主権を回復した時に挑まねばならないことだった」と述べ、結党の原点である憲法改正の必要性を強調した。
It is a well-known fact that the Constitution was based on a draft drawn up by the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers. We commend the LDP for again proposing national debate on revisions to the top law by reviewing its first draft of revisions, written in 2005.
憲法が、連合国軍総司令部（ＧＨＱ）の案を基に作成されたことは周知の事実である。自民党が２００５年の草案を見直し、改めて国民的な憲法改正論議を提起したことは評価したい。
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Emergencies provision sought
The LDP's new draft also established a provision to deal with emergencies, based on lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Under the latest draft, the prime minister would be able to declare a state of emergency in the event of armed attacks on the country, a civil war and large-scale disasters.
新草案は、東日本大震災の反省も踏まえて、緊急事態に対処するための条項を設けた。武力攻撃や内乱、大規模災害の際、首相は「緊急事態」を宣言できる。
The revisions would enable the prime minister to issue orders to the heads of local governments based on the declaration.
それに基づき、地方自治体の首長に指示することなどを可能にした。
To protect people's lives and property, fundamental human rights--including the freedom to choose and change one's residence, and property rights--could be temporarily restricted within the minimum scope necessary. For this reason, some people object to the provision concerning emergencies.
国民の生命と財産を守るためには、居住及び移転の自由、財産権など基本的人権を必要最小限の範囲で一時的に制限することにもなろう。それだけに、緊急事態条項への反対論はある。
However, it is much more dangerous for the government to take supralegal measures that it claims are necessary in an emergency, with no provision for such steps stipulated in the Constitution. This is why almost all countries, including Germany and France, have a provision concerning emergencies in their constitutions.
しかし、何の規定もないまま、政府が緊急事態を理由に超法規的措置をとることの方がよほど危険だ。独仏などほとんどの国が憲法に緊急事態条項を明文化しているのは、そのためでもある。
It is the government's responsibility to prepare for emergencies in times of calm.
緊急事態への備えを平時に整えておくことは、政府の責務だ。
Previous damage estimates are being reviewed for earthquakes, including a possible inland earthquake that could directly hit Tokyo, in which the capital's functions could be paralyzed, and a massive earthquake along the Nankai Trough caused by simultaneous Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes.
首都機能が喪失しかねない「首都直下地震」や、東海、東南海、南海地震の連動する「南海トラフの巨大地震」など従来の被害想定が見直されている。
Also, the possibility that nuclear power plants in the nation may be targeted by terrorists cannot be denied.
原発を狙うテロの可能性も否定できない。
Existing laws, including the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law, are inadequate to fully cope with situations in which the state's functions are hindered.
国家の機能が損なわれる事態に災害対策基本法など現行の法律だけでは、十分対処できまい。
Another important point for debate will be dealing with a possible emergency at a time when the House of Representatives has been dissolved or when its lawmakers' terms are about to expire.
衆院解散時、あるいは任期満了に近い時点での緊急事態対処も重要な論点になる。
Parallel to discussions on constitutional revisions, the government also should consider establishing new legislation such as a basic contingency law.
憲法改正論議と同時に、政府は「緊急事態基本法」といった新たな立法も考慮すべきである。
===
Self-defense issues
◆自衛隊位置付け明確に
On national security, the LDP's new draft maintained the current Constitution's policy of denouncing war, which is stipulated in Article 9, but added a clause saying this does not preclude the nation from "invoking the right to self-defense."
安全保障に関して新草案は９条の戦争放棄を堅持し、「自衛権の発動を妨げるものではない」との一文を加えた。
The draft authorized the nation to possess the Self-Defense Forces under the name of "national defense forces." The draft also clarified that Japan is entitled to exercise the right to collective self-defense, which has been officially denied by past administrations.
自衛隊は「国防軍」として保持するとした。政府見解が禁じる集団的自衛権の行使を、可能にすることを明確にした。
The LDP's draft also added a clause stipulating that the government must cooperate with citizens to maintain the nation's territorial integrity and secure its resources.
政府は、国民と協力して領土を保全し、資源を確保しなければならない、との条項も設けた。
We believe the LDP's judgments on the draft over national security are all appropriate.
いずれも妥当な判断だ。
The security environment surrounding Japan has increasingly become severe, due to factors including China's advancement into adjacent seas and North Korea's nuclear development program. In this situation, it is necessary for Japan to be able to exercise the right to collective self-defense for the Japan-U.S. alliance to function smoothly.
中国の海洋進出、北朝鮮の核開発など、日本の安全保障を巡る環境が厳しさを増す中、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にし、日米同盟を円滑に機能させる必要がある。
On the other hand, we have doubts about the LDP's decision to refrain in the new draft from reviewing the status of the House of Councillors, which holds a disproportionately strong power.
一方、自民党は、参院の権限が強すぎる現状の見直しに踏み込まなかった。これは疑問である。
In the divided Diet--in which opposition parties hold a majority in the upper house--bills not supported by the opposition parties will not pass. In addition, the upper house's censure motions now virtually decide the fate of cabinet ministers. This destructive practice is causing turmoil in the Diet.
衆参ねじれ国会では、野党が反対する法案は成立しない。参院の問責決議が閣僚の生殺与奪権を事実上握るという悪(あ)しき慣習も国会を混乱させている。
Your Party has proposed a plan to introduce a single-chamber system by integrating the two houses, and a suprapartisan group of lawmakers has prepared a constitutional reform proposal aimed at introducing a single-chamber system. We believe the party and the group are both aware that one reason the Diet is not functioning sufficiently is the upper house's disproportionately strong power.
みんなの党は衆参統合で一院制とする案を唱えている。超党派の議員連盟は一院制実現への憲法改正案をまとめた。国会の機能不全の要因に「強すぎる参院」があるとの認識からだろう。
However, it is difficult to achieve a single-chamber system by revising the Constitution. It would be more realistic to figure out the appropriate division of the roles of the two houses under the current bicameral system.
だが、憲法改正で一院制を実現するのは、困難である。二院制は維持しつつ、衆参の役割分担を工夫することの方が現実的だ。
The LDP, Your Party and the Sunrise Party of Japan have all expressed their views on an ideal Constitution. However, the Democratic Party of Japan, which holds the reins of government, has been reluctant to join discussions over amending the Constitution. It is inexcusable for the ruling party to shun an issue concerning the foundation of the nation.
自民党やみんなの党、たちあがれ日本が、憲法に対する考え方を表明しているのに、政権党である民主党は、改正論議に及び腰だ。国家の基本に関する問題で「逃げ」の姿勢は許されない。
===
Tackle vote disparity now
◆違憲状態解消が急務だ
In autumn, the Deliberative Councils on the Constitution in both houses--which had been dormant for more than four years--finally began creaking into action.
国会では昨年秋、４年以上休眠状態にあった衆参両院の憲法審査会が、ようやく動き始めた。
The lower house Research Commission on the Constitution has already clarified the main points regarding the amendment of the Constitution at meetings held from 2000 to 2005. The deliberative councils should begin concrete discussions on revising the Constitution soon. We hope the councils understand there is no time to waste.
憲法改正への主要な論点は、２０００～０５年の衆院憲法調査会で既に整理されている。スピード感を持って、具体的な改正論議に着手してもらいたい。
One serious problem regarding the Constitution is the lawsuits over the disparity in the weight of votes. In recent years, an increasing number of court rulings concluded that the disparity in the weight of votes in both lower and upper house elections are "unconstitutional" or in an "unconstitutional state," which means it could be unconstitutional if the situation is not changed within a certain period. However, discussions on reforming the electoral system have made no substantial progress.
深刻なのは、「１票の格差」を巡る訴訟で、衆参両院に「違憲」「違憲状態」の司法判断が相次いでいる問題だ。選挙制度改正論議が一向に進展していない。
Diet members should be ashamed of greeting the Constitution Day after leaving the matter for so long despite knowing the disparity problem has come so close to being unconstitutional. This irresponsible attitude is unforgivable in the nation's legislative body.
国会は、違憲状態を放置して憲法記念日を迎えたことを猛省すべきだ。立法府として無責任に過ぎる。
It is especially urgent for the lower house, many members of which are whispering about the possibility of a snap general election, to review the electoral system.
特に解散・総選挙の可能性がとりざたされる衆院は、選挙制度の見直しが急務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 3, 2012)
（2012年5月3日02時31分 読売新聞）
Vision of the state questioned in top law revision debate
憲法記念日 改正論議で国家観が問われる（5月3日付・読売社説）
◆高まる緊急事態法制の必要性
Japan is currently facing many pending issues at home and abroad, such as reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, resolving the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and dealing with China, which is expanding its economic and military power.
日本は今、東日本大震災からの復興や原子力発電所事故の収束、経済・軍事で膨張する中国への対応など、内外に多くの懸案を抱えている。
Since what the state should be is being questioned, we should go back to basics. The ruling and opposition parties should pursue the ideal form this country should take by deepening their discussions on constitutional revisions.
国家のあり方が問われているからこそ、基本に戻りたい。与野党は憲法改正の論議を深め、あるべき国家像を追求すべきだ。
◆主権回復６０年の節目に
Ahead of last Saturday, April 28, the 60th anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty coming into force, the Liberal Democratic Party released the second draft of its proposed revisions to the Constitution.
サンフランシスコ講和条約の発効からちょうど６０年を迎えた４月２８日を前に、自民党は、第２次憲法改正草案を発表した。
LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki stressed the necessity of constitutional revisions, a fundamental issue that led to the party's formation, saying it is something "we should've tackled when Japan regained sovereignty."
谷垣総裁は「主権を回復した時に挑まねばならないことだった」と述べ、結党の原点である憲法改正の必要性を強調した。
It is a well-known fact that the Constitution was based on a draft drawn up by the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers. We commend the LDP for again proposing national debate on revisions to the top law by reviewing its first draft of revisions, written in 2005.
憲法が、連合国軍総司令部（ＧＨＱ）の案を基に作成されたことは周知の事実である。自民党が２００５年の草案を見直し、改めて国民的な憲法改正論議を提起したことは評価したい。
===
Emergencies provision sought
The LDP's new draft also established a provision to deal with emergencies, based on lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Under the latest draft, the prime minister would be able to declare a state of emergency in the event of armed attacks on the country, a civil war and large-scale disasters.
新草案は、東日本大震災の反省も踏まえて、緊急事態に対処するための条項を設けた。武力攻撃や内乱、大規模災害の際、首相は「緊急事態」を宣言できる。
The revisions would enable the prime minister to issue orders to the heads of local governments based on the declaration.
それに基づき、地方自治体の首長に指示することなどを可能にした。
To protect people's lives and property, fundamental human rights--including the freedom to choose and change one's residence, and property rights--could be temporarily restricted within the minimum scope necessary. For this reason, some people object to the provision concerning emergencies.
国民の生命と財産を守るためには、居住及び移転の自由、財産権など基本的人権を必要最小限の範囲で一時的に制限することにもなろう。それだけに、緊急事態条項への反対論はある。
However, it is much more dangerous for the government to take supralegal measures that it claims are necessary in an emergency, with no provision for such steps stipulated in the Constitution. This is why almost all countries, including Germany and France, have a provision concerning emergencies in their constitutions.
しかし、何の規定もないまま、政府が緊急事態を理由に超法規的措置をとることの方がよほど危険だ。独仏などほとんどの国が憲法に緊急事態条項を明文化しているのは、そのためでもある。
It is the government's responsibility to prepare for emergencies in times of calm.
緊急事態への備えを平時に整えておくことは、政府の責務だ。
Previous damage estimates are being reviewed for earthquakes, including a possible inland earthquake that could directly hit Tokyo, in which the capital's functions could be paralyzed, and a massive earthquake along the Nankai Trough caused by simultaneous Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes.
首都機能が喪失しかねない「首都直下地震」や、東海、東南海、南海地震の連動する「南海トラフの巨大地震」など従来の被害想定が見直されている。
Also, the possibility that nuclear power plants in the nation may be targeted by terrorists cannot be denied.
原発を狙うテロの可能性も否定できない。
Existing laws, including the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law, are inadequate to fully cope with situations in which the state's functions are hindered.
国家の機能が損なわれる事態に災害対策基本法など現行の法律だけでは、十分対処できまい。
Another important point for debate will be dealing with a possible emergency at a time when the House of Representatives has been dissolved or when its lawmakers' terms are about to expire.
衆院解散時、あるいは任期満了に近い時点での緊急事態対処も重要な論点になる。
Parallel to discussions on constitutional revisions, the government also should consider establishing new legislation such as a basic contingency law.
憲法改正論議と同時に、政府は「緊急事態基本法」といった新たな立法も考慮すべきである。
===
Self-defense issues
◆自衛隊位置付け明確に
On national security, the LDP's new draft maintained the current Constitution's policy of denouncing war, which is stipulated in Article 9, but added a clause saying this does not preclude the nation from "invoking the right to self-defense."
安全保障に関して新草案は９条の戦争放棄を堅持し、「自衛権の発動を妨げるものではない」との一文を加えた。
The draft authorized the nation to possess the Self-Defense Forces under the name of "national defense forces." The draft also clarified that Japan is entitled to exercise the right to collective self-defense, which has been officially denied by past administrations.
自衛隊は「国防軍」として保持するとした。政府見解が禁じる集団的自衛権の行使を、可能にすることを明確にした。
The LDP's draft also added a clause stipulating that the government must cooperate with citizens to maintain the nation's territorial integrity and secure its resources.
政府は、国民と協力して領土を保全し、資源を確保しなければならない、との条項も設けた。
We believe the LDP's judgments on the draft over national security are all appropriate.
いずれも妥当な判断だ。
The security environment surrounding Japan has increasingly become severe, due to factors including China's advancement into adjacent seas and North Korea's nuclear development program. In this situation, it is necessary for Japan to be able to exercise the right to collective self-defense for the Japan-U.S. alliance to function smoothly.
中国の海洋進出、北朝鮮の核開発など、日本の安全保障を巡る環境が厳しさを増す中、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にし、日米同盟を円滑に機能させる必要がある。
On the other hand, we have doubts about the LDP's decision to refrain in the new draft from reviewing the status of the House of Councillors, which holds a disproportionately strong power.
一方、自民党は、参院の権限が強すぎる現状の見直しに踏み込まなかった。これは疑問である。
In the divided Diet--in which opposition parties hold a majority in the upper house--bills not supported by the opposition parties will not pass. In addition, the upper house's censure motions now virtually decide the fate of cabinet ministers. This destructive practice is causing turmoil in the Diet.
衆参ねじれ国会では、野党が反対する法案は成立しない。参院の問責決議が閣僚の生殺与奪権を事実上握るという悪(あ)しき慣習も国会を混乱させている。
Your Party has proposed a plan to introduce a single-chamber system by integrating the two houses, and a suprapartisan group of lawmakers has prepared a constitutional reform proposal aimed at introducing a single-chamber system. We believe the party and the group are both aware that one reason the Diet is not functioning sufficiently is the upper house's disproportionately strong power.
みんなの党は衆参統合で一院制とする案を唱えている。超党派の議員連盟は一院制実現への憲法改正案をまとめた。国会の機能不全の要因に「強すぎる参院」があるとの認識からだろう。
However, it is difficult to achieve a single-chamber system by revising the Constitution. It would be more realistic to figure out the appropriate division of the roles of the two houses under the current bicameral system.
だが、憲法改正で一院制を実現するのは、困難である。二院制は維持しつつ、衆参の役割分担を工夫することの方が現実的だ。
The LDP, Your Party and the Sunrise Party of Japan have all expressed their views on an ideal Constitution. However, the Democratic Party of Japan, which holds the reins of government, has been reluctant to join discussions over amending the Constitution. It is inexcusable for the ruling party to shun an issue concerning the foundation of the nation.
自民党やみんなの党、たちあがれ日本が、憲法に対する考え方を表明しているのに、政権党である民主党は、改正論議に及び腰だ。国家の基本に関する問題で「逃げ」の姿勢は許されない。
===
Tackle vote disparity now
◆違憲状態解消が急務だ
In autumn, the Deliberative Councils on the Constitution in both houses--which had been dormant for more than four years--finally began creaking into action.
国会では昨年秋、４年以上休眠状態にあった衆参両院の憲法審査会が、ようやく動き始めた。
The lower house Research Commission on the Constitution has already clarified the main points regarding the amendment of the Constitution at meetings held from 2000 to 2005. The deliberative councils should begin concrete discussions on revising the Constitution soon. We hope the councils understand there is no time to waste.
憲法改正への主要な論点は、２０００～０５年の衆院憲法調査会で既に整理されている。スピード感を持って、具体的な改正論議に着手してもらいたい。
One serious problem regarding the Constitution is the lawsuits over the disparity in the weight of votes. In recent years, an increasing number of court rulings concluded that the disparity in the weight of votes in both lower and upper house elections are "unconstitutional" or in an "unconstitutional state," which means it could be unconstitutional if the situation is not changed within a certain period. However, discussions on reforming the electoral system have made no substantial progress.
深刻なのは、「１票の格差」を巡る訴訟で、衆参両院に「違憲」「違憲状態」の司法判断が相次いでいる問題だ。選挙制度改正論議が一向に進展していない。
Diet members should be ashamed of greeting the Constitution Day after leaving the matter for so long despite knowing the disparity problem has come so close to being unconstitutional. This irresponsible attitude is unforgivable in the nation's legislative body.
国会は、違憲状態を放置して憲法記念日を迎えたことを猛省すべきだ。立法府として無責任に過ぎる。
It is especially urgent for the lower house, many members of which are whispering about the possibility of a snap general election, to review the electoral system.
特に解散・総選挙の可能性がとりざたされる衆院は、選挙制度の見直しが急務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 3, 2012)
（2012年5月3日02時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 2, 2012)
Problems surround govt plan for renewable energy purchases
再生エネ発電 買い取り制には課題が多い（5月1日付・読売社説）
A feed-in tariff system for electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will face many difficult problems.
太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの買い取り制度は、多くの難題を抱えている。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has made a proposal on prices at which electric power companies will purchase electricity generated by renewable energy under the system.
経済産業省の有識者委員会が、再生可能エネルギーで発電した電気を電力会社が買い取る価格の案をまとめた。
The government will officially decide on recommended rates within May, and power companies will become obliged to buy the electricity from July.
政府が５月中に正式決定し、７月から電力会社に買い取りが義務づけられる。
The proposed rates are 42 yen per kilowatt-hour for solar power, 23 yen for wind power and 27 yen for geothermal power.
価格案は、１キロ・ワット時当たり、太陽光が４２円、風力２３円、地熱２７円などとなっている。
The rates were calculated by adding appropriate profits to the usual costs of each generation method, the panel said. However, they are almost the same as the rates that were requested in advance by renewable energy producers and were higher than widely expected.
有識者委は、それぞれの発電方法で通常かかる費用に、適正な利益を上乗せしたと説明している。しかし、各発電業界が事前に示した要望額とほぼ同じで、大方の予想より割高と言える。
With the proposed prices, the panel apparently aims to promote the expansion of the renewable energy generation business by encouraging more companies to enter the field. However, the feed-in tariff system's design itself is precarious.
自然エネルギー発電への参入を後押しし、普及に弾みをつける狙いだろう。だが、制度設計そのものに危ういところがある。
===
Higher electricity prices
The costs utility companies will shoulder to buy the renewable-energy electricity at high rates will be passed on through electricity rates in general.
電力会社が高値で買い入れた負担分は電気料金に上乗せされる。
The economy ministry estimates the resulting electricity charge hike for an ordinary household to be 70 yen to 100 yen per month in the first fiscal year, but it apparently will further increase along with the spread of power generation from renewable sources.
経産省は一般家庭の負担増は、初年度で月７０～１００円にとどまると試算しているが、普及につれて負担額は増え続ける。
Special measures will exempt steel and other industries that consume huge amounts of electricity from more than 80 percent of the increased portion of electricity rates.
鉄鋼など電力多消費産業には、料金上乗せ分の８割以上を減免する特例が適用される。
However, after a government subsidy to supplement the reduced portion of electricity revenues runs out, it will be passed on to other industries and ordinary households through their electricity rates.
料金の減収分を穴埋めする補助金が底をつくと、これも他業種や家庭の電気料金の上昇へと跳ね返る。
If the costs are not shared in a balanced manner, a sense of unfairness will spread among the public.
コスト負担のバランスを欠けば不公平感が拡大するだろう。
Japan is now in an emergency situation because all but one of its nuclear power reactors have been suspended and thermal power generation requires an additional 3 trillion yen to 4 trillion yen a year for fuel costs. An increase in electricity costs must be avoided by all means.
今は、原子力発電所が停止し、火力発電の燃料費が年３兆～４兆円も余計にかかる非常時である。電力コストの上昇は、極力避けなければならない。
If the feed-in tariff system causes electricity rates to rise, the government will have to flexibly reduce the recommended rates.
再生可能エネルギー買い取りの影響で電力料金の上昇幅が拡大した場合、政府は買い取り価格を機動的に下げる必要があろう。
===
Denuclearization not easy
In fact, Germany, which is more advanced in its feed-in tariff system than Japan, last year saw the added portion of electricity rates for an ordinary household exceed 1,200 yen per month. Facing public protest, the German government this spring lowered the recommended rates by 20 percent to 30 percent. The Spanish government in January suspended applying its feed-in tariff system to new renewable energy generation projects.
実際、買い取り制度で先行するドイツでは昨年、一般家庭の料金上乗せ分が月１２００円に膨らんだ。国民の反発を受け、今年春に買い取り価格を２～３割下げた。スペインでは今年１月、新規買い取りの凍結に追い込まれた。
The experience of other countries shows that it is difficult to maintain electricity generation from renewable sources as long as generation costs remain expensive, even if a government tries to support it with policy measures.
海外の事例は、再生可能エネルギーを政策支援で普及させても、発電コストが高いままでは維持が難しいことを示している。
Many expectations are voiced for industrial promotion and job growth related to new energy businesses such as the manufacture of solar panels, but the reality is grim. In Germany, a major solar panel maker and other firms went under one after another in the face of pressure from Chinese products with smaller price tags.
太陽光パネルなど新エネルギー関連の産業振興や雇用増を期待する声も多いが、現実は厳しい。ドイツでは、割安な中国製に押されて、大手パネルメーカーなどの破綻が相次いだ。
Solar and wind power generation have many difficulties regarding the procurement of land for sites and the durability of generation facilities. The road to independence from nuclear power generation is not an easy one.
太陽光、風力発電は、用地確保や発電設備の耐久性などに課題が多い。「脱原発依存」への道は決して平坦(へいたん)ではない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2012)
（2012年5月1日01時10分 読売新聞）
Problems surround govt plan for renewable energy purchases
再生エネ発電 買い取り制には課題が多い（5月1日付・読売社説）
A feed-in tariff system for electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will face many difficult problems.
太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの買い取り制度は、多くの難題を抱えている。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has made a proposal on prices at which electric power companies will purchase electricity generated by renewable energy under the system.
経済産業省の有識者委員会が、再生可能エネルギーで発電した電気を電力会社が買い取る価格の案をまとめた。
The government will officially decide on recommended rates within May, and power companies will become obliged to buy the electricity from July.
政府が５月中に正式決定し、７月から電力会社に買い取りが義務づけられる。
The proposed rates are 42 yen per kilowatt-hour for solar power, 23 yen for wind power and 27 yen for geothermal power.
価格案は、１キロ・ワット時当たり、太陽光が４２円、風力２３円、地熱２７円などとなっている。
The rates were calculated by adding appropriate profits to the usual costs of each generation method, the panel said. However, they are almost the same as the rates that were requested in advance by renewable energy producers and were higher than widely expected.
有識者委は、それぞれの発電方法で通常かかる費用に、適正な利益を上乗せしたと説明している。しかし、各発電業界が事前に示した要望額とほぼ同じで、大方の予想より割高と言える。
With the proposed prices, the panel apparently aims to promote the expansion of the renewable energy generation business by encouraging more companies to enter the field. However, the feed-in tariff system's design itself is precarious.
自然エネルギー発電への参入を後押しし、普及に弾みをつける狙いだろう。だが、制度設計そのものに危ういところがある。
===
Higher electricity prices
The costs utility companies will shoulder to buy the renewable-energy electricity at high rates will be passed on through electricity rates in general.
電力会社が高値で買い入れた負担分は電気料金に上乗せされる。
The economy ministry estimates the resulting electricity charge hike for an ordinary household to be 70 yen to 100 yen per month in the first fiscal year, but it apparently will further increase along with the spread of power generation from renewable sources.
経産省は一般家庭の負担増は、初年度で月７０～１００円にとどまると試算しているが、普及につれて負担額は増え続ける。
Special measures will exempt steel and other industries that consume huge amounts of electricity from more than 80 percent of the increased portion of electricity rates.
鉄鋼など電力多消費産業には、料金上乗せ分の８割以上を減免する特例が適用される。
However, after a government subsidy to supplement the reduced portion of electricity revenues runs out, it will be passed on to other industries and ordinary households through their electricity rates.
料金の減収分を穴埋めする補助金が底をつくと、これも他業種や家庭の電気料金の上昇へと跳ね返る。
If the costs are not shared in a balanced manner, a sense of unfairness will spread among the public.
コスト負担のバランスを欠けば不公平感が拡大するだろう。
Japan is now in an emergency situation because all but one of its nuclear power reactors have been suspended and thermal power generation requires an additional 3 trillion yen to 4 trillion yen a year for fuel costs. An increase in electricity costs must be avoided by all means.
今は、原子力発電所が停止し、火力発電の燃料費が年３兆～４兆円も余計にかかる非常時である。電力コストの上昇は、極力避けなければならない。
If the feed-in tariff system causes electricity rates to rise, the government will have to flexibly reduce the recommended rates.
再生可能エネルギー買い取りの影響で電力料金の上昇幅が拡大した場合、政府は買い取り価格を機動的に下げる必要があろう。
===
Denuclearization not easy
In fact, Germany, which is more advanced in its feed-in tariff system than Japan, last year saw the added portion of electricity rates for an ordinary household exceed 1,200 yen per month. Facing public protest, the German government this spring lowered the recommended rates by 20 percent to 30 percent. The Spanish government in January suspended applying its feed-in tariff system to new renewable energy generation projects.
実際、買い取り制度で先行するドイツでは昨年、一般家庭の料金上乗せ分が月１２００円に膨らんだ。国民の反発を受け、今年春に買い取り価格を２～３割下げた。スペインでは今年１月、新規買い取りの凍結に追い込まれた。
The experience of other countries shows that it is difficult to maintain electricity generation from renewable sources as long as generation costs remain expensive, even if a government tries to support it with policy measures.
海外の事例は、再生可能エネルギーを政策支援で普及させても、発電コストが高いままでは維持が難しいことを示している。
Many expectations are voiced for industrial promotion and job growth related to new energy businesses such as the manufacture of solar panels, but the reality is grim. In Germany, a major solar panel maker and other firms went under one after another in the face of pressure from Chinese products with smaller price tags.
太陽光パネルなど新エネルギー関連の産業振興や雇用増を期待する声も多いが、現実は厳しい。ドイツでは、割安な中国製に押されて、大手パネルメーカーなどの破綻が相次いだ。
Solar and wind power generation have many difficulties regarding the procurement of land for sites and the durability of generation facilities. The road to independence from nuclear power generation is not an easy one.
太陽光、風力発電は、用地確保や発電設備の耐久性などに課題が多い。「脱原発依存」への道は決して平坦(へいたん)ではない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2012)
（2012年5月1日01時10分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 1, 2012)
Govt, BOJ must expedite efforts to arrest deflation
追加金融緩和 政府と日銀は脱デフレを急げ（4月30日付・読売社説）
If the Bank of Japan simply continues taking monetary-easing measures in dribs and drabs, the country will remain without a clear prospect for defeating deflation.
日銀が小出しの金融緩和を繰り返しているだけでは、デフレ脱却への展望は開けまい。
The government and the central bank must step up their collaboration and work hard to restore the growth of the domestic economy.
政府と日銀は連携を強め、日本経済の成長回復に全力を挙げるべきだ。
The central bank decided to take additional monetary-easing policies, under which the total amount of its asset-purchase funds, used to purchase government bonds and other financial assets, will be raised to 70 trillion yen. This is a 5 trillion yen increase.
日銀が、国債などを買い入れる基金を５兆円増やし、７０兆円とする追加金融緩和策を決めた。
The measure is aimed at increasing the amount of funds circulating in the market to boost the country's economic recovery.
市場に出回る資金を増やし、景気回復を後押しする狙いだ。
This is the first time since Feb. 14 that the central bank has taken additional monetary-easing measures. On the previous occasion, the bank introduced as a guideline for price stabilization a 1 percent year-on-year rise in consumer prices, making it clear it was determined to continue following easy-money policies.
日銀の追加緩和策は２月１４日以来となる。前回は「物価安定の目途(めど)」を導入し、消費者物価の「１％上昇」を目指して金融緩和を続ける方針を打ち出した。
The market responded favorably to the move: The average stock price of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recovered to above 10,000 for some time. The bank's decision also helped halt the yen's further appreciation against the dollar.
これが好感され、東京市場の平均株価は１万円台を一時回復し、円高にも歯止めがかかった。
===
Bank was right to act
However, given that the measure's effects are gradually weakening, it was appropriate for the central bank to "shoot a second arrow."
しかし、効果は薄れており、「二の矢」を放ったのは適切だ。
This time, the Bank of Japan presented projections for the rate of year-on-year increase in consumer prices: 0.3 percent for fiscal 2012 and 0.7 percent for fiscal 2013.
日銀は今回、今後の消費者物価上昇率の見通しを示し、２０１２年度がプラス０・３％、１３年度はプラス０・７％とした。
Although these figures were above its projections in January, they were still below 1 percent, which the central bank has set as a gauge to arrest deflation. The central bank thus acknowledged it would be difficult to defeat deflation anytime soon--a fact that is highly significant.
今年１月時点の見通しを上回ったとはいえ、日銀がデフレ脱却の目安とする１％に届かなかった。早期のデフレ脱却は難しいと、日銀が自ら認めた意味は重い。
If things stand as they are now, people's expectations for the country's economic recovery may fade away, shrinking the country's economic activities.
このままでは景気回復への期待がしぼんでしまい、経済活動は萎縮しかねない。
The Bank of Japan also projected that the rise in consumer prices is highly likely to reach 1 percent in the not-too-distant future, as early as in fiscal 2014. The central bank should take a step forward and express its strong determination to defeat deflation.
日銀は１４年度以降「１％に遠からず達する可能性が高い」との見通しも示した。さらに踏み込み、デフレ克服を実現する強い決意を明らかにするべきだ。
Of course, the government bears a heavy responsibility in this respect. Past administrations failed to take effective measures to address various key issues, including the declining population and fiscal deficits, which resulted in declines in the country's growth power. It can be said that this is the major cause for the country's prolonged deflation.
もちろん政府にも、重い責任がある。歴代政権は人口減少や財政赤字などの課題に有効な手を打たず、成長力低下を招いた。デフレ長期化の主因と言える。
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda set up a panel of Cabinet ministers to arrest deflation and started considering concrete measures for structural reforms of the country's economy. The move is highly commendable.
野田内閣が脱デフレに向けた関係閣僚会議を設け、経済構造改革について具体策の検討を開始したことは評価できる。
===
Discussions must be broad
Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa also is taking part in the panel as an observer. Panel members should discuss not only monetary policies but also fiscal policies and growth strategies.
日銀の白川方明総裁もオブザーバーで参加している。金融政策だけでなく、財政政策と成長戦略をあわせて議論する必要がある。
Calls have been growing for the Bank of Japan to adopt bold monetary-easing policies, mainly among Diet members with reservations about the consumption tax hike. These lawmakers argue that deflation must be stopped before the consumption tax is raised. But using such an argument as an expedient to avoid raising the consumption tax would be, we regret to say, a dereliction of their duty as politicians.
最近、消費税増税に慎重な議員を中心に、日銀に大胆な金融緩和を求める声が強まってきた。「増税よりデフレ退治が先」という主張も、消費税から逃げる方便だとすれば政治の責任放棄だ。
Some members of the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party are calling for revising the Bank of Japan Law. They argue the government should have the power to dismiss the central bank governor in order to pressure the bank to take anti-deflationary or other measures.
民主党や自民党の一部には、日銀法改正を求める意見もある。政府が総裁解任権を持ち、デフレ対策を迫るなどの内容だ。
There have not yet been any substantial moves toward revising the central bank law. But excessive political interference in the operations of the central bank would bring its independence into question, reducing confidence in the bank.
法改正の動きが具体化しつつあるわけではないが、政治が過剰介入すれば、中央銀行の独立性は揺らぎ、信認低下を招く恐れがある。
Any moves that would throw the country's market and economy into confusion must be avoided.
市場や経済を混乱させる事態は避けなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 30, 2012)
（2012年4月30日01時18分 読売新聞）
Govt, BOJ must expedite efforts to arrest deflation
追加金融緩和 政府と日銀は脱デフレを急げ（4月30日付・読売社説）
If the Bank of Japan simply continues taking monetary-easing measures in dribs and drabs, the country will remain without a clear prospect for defeating deflation.
日銀が小出しの金融緩和を繰り返しているだけでは、デフレ脱却への展望は開けまい。
The government and the central bank must step up their collaboration and work hard to restore the growth of the domestic economy.
政府と日銀は連携を強め、日本経済の成長回復に全力を挙げるべきだ。
The central bank decided to take additional monetary-easing policies, under which the total amount of its asset-purchase funds, used to purchase government bonds and other financial assets, will be raised to 70 trillion yen. This is a 5 trillion yen increase.
日銀が、国債などを買い入れる基金を５兆円増やし、７０兆円とする追加金融緩和策を決めた。
The measure is aimed at increasing the amount of funds circulating in the market to boost the country's economic recovery.
市場に出回る資金を増やし、景気回復を後押しする狙いだ。
This is the first time since Feb. 14 that the central bank has taken additional monetary-easing measures. On the previous occasion, the bank introduced as a guideline for price stabilization a 1 percent year-on-year rise in consumer prices, making it clear it was determined to continue following easy-money policies.
日銀の追加緩和策は２月１４日以来となる。前回は「物価安定の目途(めど)」を導入し、消費者物価の「１％上昇」を目指して金融緩和を続ける方針を打ち出した。
The market responded favorably to the move: The average stock price of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recovered to above 10,000 for some time. The bank's decision also helped halt the yen's further appreciation against the dollar.
これが好感され、東京市場の平均株価は１万円台を一時回復し、円高にも歯止めがかかった。
===
Bank was right to act
However, given that the measure's effects are gradually weakening, it was appropriate for the central bank to "shoot a second arrow."
しかし、効果は薄れており、「二の矢」を放ったのは適切だ。
This time, the Bank of Japan presented projections for the rate of year-on-year increase in consumer prices: 0.3 percent for fiscal 2012 and 0.7 percent for fiscal 2013.
日銀は今回、今後の消費者物価上昇率の見通しを示し、２０１２年度がプラス０・３％、１３年度はプラス０・７％とした。
Although these figures were above its projections in January, they were still below 1 percent, which the central bank has set as a gauge to arrest deflation. The central bank thus acknowledged it would be difficult to defeat deflation anytime soon--a fact that is highly significant.
今年１月時点の見通しを上回ったとはいえ、日銀がデフレ脱却の目安とする１％に届かなかった。早期のデフレ脱却は難しいと、日銀が自ら認めた意味は重い。
If things stand as they are now, people's expectations for the country's economic recovery may fade away, shrinking the country's economic activities.
このままでは景気回復への期待がしぼんでしまい、経済活動は萎縮しかねない。
The Bank of Japan also projected that the rise in consumer prices is highly likely to reach 1 percent in the not-too-distant future, as early as in fiscal 2014. The central bank should take a step forward and express its strong determination to defeat deflation.
日銀は１４年度以降「１％に遠からず達する可能性が高い」との見通しも示した。さらに踏み込み、デフレ克服を実現する強い決意を明らかにするべきだ。
Of course, the government bears a heavy responsibility in this respect. Past administrations failed to take effective measures to address various key issues, including the declining population and fiscal deficits, which resulted in declines in the country's growth power. It can be said that this is the major cause for the country's prolonged deflation.
もちろん政府にも、重い責任がある。歴代政権は人口減少や財政赤字などの課題に有効な手を打たず、成長力低下を招いた。デフレ長期化の主因と言える。
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda set up a panel of Cabinet ministers to arrest deflation and started considering concrete measures for structural reforms of the country's economy. The move is highly commendable.
野田内閣が脱デフレに向けた関係閣僚会議を設け、経済構造改革について具体策の検討を開始したことは評価できる。
===
Discussions must be broad
Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa also is taking part in the panel as an observer. Panel members should discuss not only monetary policies but also fiscal policies and growth strategies.
日銀の白川方明総裁もオブザーバーで参加している。金融政策だけでなく、財政政策と成長戦略をあわせて議論する必要がある。
Calls have been growing for the Bank of Japan to adopt bold monetary-easing policies, mainly among Diet members with reservations about the consumption tax hike. These lawmakers argue that deflation must be stopped before the consumption tax is raised. But using such an argument as an expedient to avoid raising the consumption tax would be, we regret to say, a dereliction of their duty as politicians.
最近、消費税増税に慎重な議員を中心に、日銀に大胆な金融緩和を求める声が強まってきた。「増税よりデフレ退治が先」という主張も、消費税から逃げる方便だとすれば政治の責任放棄だ。
Some members of the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party are calling for revising the Bank of Japan Law. They argue the government should have the power to dismiss the central bank governor in order to pressure the bank to take anti-deflationary or other measures.
民主党や自民党の一部には、日銀法改正を求める意見もある。政府が総裁解任権を持ち、デフレ対策を迫るなどの内容だ。
There have not yet been any substantial moves toward revising the central bank law. But excessive political interference in the operations of the central bank would bring its independence into question, reducing confidence in the bank.
法改正の動きが具体化しつつあるわけではないが、政治が過剰介入すれば、中央銀行の独立性は揺らぎ、信認低下を招く恐れがある。
Any moves that would throw the country's market and economy into confusion must be avoided.
市場や経済を混乱させる事態は避けなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 30, 2012)
（2012年4月30日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 2, 2012)
Safety must be paramount when operating buses
高速バス事故 再発防止に安全運行の徹底を（5月1日付・読売社説）
Sunday's expressway bus accident seems to suggest that safety concerns have been put on the back burner due to intense price-cutting competition.
格安競争が激化し、安全が置き去りにされていたのではないか。
Just before dawn Sunday, in the first weekend of the Golden Week holidays, a bus smashed into a noise-blocking wall on the left side of the Kanetsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture, killing seven passengers and injuring 39 others, some of them seriously.
大型連休まっただ中の４月２９日未明、群馬県の関越自動車道で、ツアーバスが道路左側の防音壁に衝突し、乗客７人が死亡、３９人が重軽傷を負う悲惨な事故が起きた。
The wall pierced the front of the bus and ripped through the vehicle, illustrating the sheer impact of the crash.
防音壁が車体を裂くように突き刺さり、バスはほとんど原形をとどめていない。事故の衝撃の大きさを物語っている。
The bus driver told police that he fell asleep at the wheel. Police on Monday obtained a warrant to arrest him on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in death and injury, and searched the office of the bus operator in Chiba Prefecture where the driver worked. An exhaustive investigation must be conducted to pinpoint the cause of the accident.
バスの運転手は居眠りをしていたと話している。警察は自動車運転過失致死傷容疑で逮捕状を取るとともに、運転手が勤務している千葉県のバス会社を捜索した。事故原因を徹底的に究明することが必要である。
The bus left Kanazawa on Saturday night and was scheduled to arrive at Tokyo Disneyland on Sunday morning. The trip was organized by a travel company in Osaka Prefecture that sought participants online and entrusted their transportation to the bus company.
今回のツアーは２８日夜に金沢市を出発し、２９日朝に東京ディズニーランドに着く行程だった。大阪府の旅行会社がツアーを企画し、ネットを通じて乗客を募集、バス会社に運行を委託した。
Such bus trips have become increasingly popular, especially among young people, because they are cheaper than traveling by plane or train and can be easily joined by applying over the Internet. The number of people going on these trips has been rising.
こうしたバスツアーは、航空機や鉄道に比べて格安な料金と、ネットで簡単に申し込める手軽さが若者を中心に人気を呼び、急速に利用者を伸ばしている。
===
Deregulation spurs business
Deregulation of the bus charter business since 2000 has made it easier for new entrants to join the industry. The number of bus operators had jumped to about 4,500 in fiscal 2010.
２０００年以降の規制緩和で、新規参入が容易になったこともあり、バス事業者数は急増し、１０年度で約４５００に上る。
As competition has intensified, some observers have pointed out safety problems emerging in the industry, such as the excessive workload placed on bus drivers. Sunday's accident, it may be said, turned these concerns into a reality.
一方で、競争激化による運転手の過重労働など、安全面の課題が問題視されていた。懸念が現実になったと言える。
The bus in Sunday's accident had only one driver, and no replacement driver had been assigned. Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry regulations set upper limits for the driving hours and distance allowed for a driver per day.
今回のケースでは、運転手は１人で、交代要員はいなかった。国土交通省の規則などは、運転手の１日当たりの運転時間と走行距離の上限を定めている。
The bus operator in question said, "There was no problem with the operation of the bus." But was it appropriate that only one driver was assigned for an overnight trip over such a long distance?
バス会社は「運行上の問題はなかった」と説明しているが、徹夜で長距離をたった１人で運転することが適切だったのだろうか。
It is essential to bring to light any problems with the company's operational management.
運行管理の問題点を洗い出すことが重要だ。
===
Do more to prevent repeat
Some people have pointed out that violations by bus operators--such as excessive working hours for drivers--have become par for the course. The transport ministry has left itself open to criticism for belatedly taking measures to prevent this.
運転手の勤務時間超過など、バス事業者の違反行為は常態化しているとの指摘もある。国交省の対策は後手に回っていたと批判されても仕方あるまい。
To prevent a repeat of Sunday's accident, the ministry must tighten its supervision of bus companies to ensure their vehicles are driven as safely as possible.
事故の再発を防止するため、国交省は事業者に対する監査体制を強化し、安全運行の徹底を図らねばならない。
It is also problematic that under current law, travel agents are not responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers on trips they organize. Many bus operators have complained that "travel companies have presented tour schedules that turn a blind eye to the costs needed to ensure safety."
現行法では、ツアーを企画した旅行会社が乗客に対する安全責任を負わないことも問題だ。「旅行会社に安全コストを無視した計画を提示された」といったバス業界側からの苦情も少なくない。
To make sure buses are driven safely, legislative steps must be taken to swiftly establish a system that makes it mandatory for travel agents to take legal responsibility for traffic accidents involving these buses.
ツアーバスの安全運行のため、旅行会社も法的責任を負う仕組みを早急に整えるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2012)
（2012年5月1日01時10分 読売新聞）
Safety must be paramount when operating buses
高速バス事故 再発防止に安全運行の徹底を（5月1日付・読売社説）
Sunday's expressway bus accident seems to suggest that safety concerns have been put on the back burner due to intense price-cutting competition.
格安競争が激化し、安全が置き去りにされていたのではないか。
Just before dawn Sunday, in the first weekend of the Golden Week holidays, a bus smashed into a noise-blocking wall on the left side of the Kanetsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture, killing seven passengers and injuring 39 others, some of them seriously.
大型連休まっただ中の４月２９日未明、群馬県の関越自動車道で、ツアーバスが道路左側の防音壁に衝突し、乗客７人が死亡、３９人が重軽傷を負う悲惨な事故が起きた。
The wall pierced the front of the bus and ripped through the vehicle, illustrating the sheer impact of the crash.
防音壁が車体を裂くように突き刺さり、バスはほとんど原形をとどめていない。事故の衝撃の大きさを物語っている。
The bus driver told police that he fell asleep at the wheel. Police on Monday obtained a warrant to arrest him on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in death and injury, and searched the office of the bus operator in Chiba Prefecture where the driver worked. An exhaustive investigation must be conducted to pinpoint the cause of the accident.
バスの運転手は居眠りをしていたと話している。警察は自動車運転過失致死傷容疑で逮捕状を取るとともに、運転手が勤務している千葉県のバス会社を捜索した。事故原因を徹底的に究明することが必要である。
The bus left Kanazawa on Saturday night and was scheduled to arrive at Tokyo Disneyland on Sunday morning. The trip was organized by a travel company in Osaka Prefecture that sought participants online and entrusted their transportation to the bus company.
今回のツアーは２８日夜に金沢市を出発し、２９日朝に東京ディズニーランドに着く行程だった。大阪府の旅行会社がツアーを企画し、ネットを通じて乗客を募集、バス会社に運行を委託した。
Such bus trips have become increasingly popular, especially among young people, because they are cheaper than traveling by plane or train and can be easily joined by applying over the Internet. The number of people going on these trips has been rising.
こうしたバスツアーは、航空機や鉄道に比べて格安な料金と、ネットで簡単に申し込める手軽さが若者を中心に人気を呼び、急速に利用者を伸ばしている。
===
Deregulation spurs business
Deregulation of the bus charter business since 2000 has made it easier for new entrants to join the industry. The number of bus operators had jumped to about 4,500 in fiscal 2010.
２０００年以降の規制緩和で、新規参入が容易になったこともあり、バス事業者数は急増し、１０年度で約４５００に上る。
As competition has intensified, some observers have pointed out safety problems emerging in the industry, such as the excessive workload placed on bus drivers. Sunday's accident, it may be said, turned these concerns into a reality.
一方で、競争激化による運転手の過重労働など、安全面の課題が問題視されていた。懸念が現実になったと言える。
The bus in Sunday's accident had only one driver, and no replacement driver had been assigned. Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry regulations set upper limits for the driving hours and distance allowed for a driver per day.
今回のケースでは、運転手は１人で、交代要員はいなかった。国土交通省の規則などは、運転手の１日当たりの運転時間と走行距離の上限を定めている。
The bus operator in question said, "There was no problem with the operation of the bus." But was it appropriate that only one driver was assigned for an overnight trip over such a long distance?
バス会社は「運行上の問題はなかった」と説明しているが、徹夜で長距離をたった１人で運転することが適切だったのだろうか。
It is essential to bring to light any problems with the company's operational management.
運行管理の問題点を洗い出すことが重要だ。
===
Do more to prevent repeat
Some people have pointed out that violations by bus operators--such as excessive working hours for drivers--have become par for the course. The transport ministry has left itself open to criticism for belatedly taking measures to prevent this.
運転手の勤務時間超過など、バス事業者の違反行為は常態化しているとの指摘もある。国交省の対策は後手に回っていたと批判されても仕方あるまい。
To prevent a repeat of Sunday's accident, the ministry must tighten its supervision of bus companies to ensure their vehicles are driven as safely as possible.
事故の再発を防止するため、国交省は事業者に対する監査体制を強化し、安全運行の徹底を図らねばならない。
It is also problematic that under current law, travel agents are not responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers on trips they organize. Many bus operators have complained that "travel companies have presented tour schedules that turn a blind eye to the costs needed to ensure safety."
現行法では、ツアーを企画した旅行会社が乗客に対する安全責任を負わないことも問題だ。「旅行会社に安全コストを無視した計画を提示された」といったバス業界側からの苦情も少なくない。
To make sure buses are driven safely, legislative steps must be taken to swiftly establish a system that makes it mandatory for travel agents to take legal responsibility for traffic accidents involving these buses.
ツアーバスの安全運行のため、旅行会社も法的責任を負う仕組みを早急に整えるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2012)
（2012年5月1日01時10分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 29, 2012)
Govt takes on heavy burden in nationalizing TEPCO
東電事業計画 再稼働と値上げをどうする（4月28日付・読売社説）
The nationalization of Tokyo Electric Power Co. means that the government will be required to shoulder greater responsibilities for important energy polices such as resuming operations of suspended nuclear reactors.
東京電力の国有化で、政府は原子力発電所の再稼働などに一段と重い責任を負うことになる。
On Friday, TEPCO and the government's Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund submitted the power company's comprehensive business rehabilitation plan to Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano. Edano is expected to approve the plan, which was prepared jointly by the two entities, in early May or later.
東電と政府の原子力損害賠償支援機構が２７日、東電の再建を目指す「総合特別事業計画」をまとめ、枝野経済産業相に提出した。５月上旬にも経産相が認定する見通しという。
The plan was a prerequisite for TEPCO to receive 1 trillion yen in public funds. Now the power company needs to speed up reform of its management.
東電が支援機構を通じて１兆円の公的資金注入を受けるための計画だ。東電は経営改革を加速する必要がある。
The main point of the business rehabilitation plan is the government's acquisition of a majority equity stake in the power company on a voting-rights basis, which effectively means the company will be nationalized. TEPCO's management team will also be changed drastically, with Kazuhiko Shimokobe, head of the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund's steering committee, assuming TEPCO's chairmanship.
計画のポイントは、東電株の議決権の過半数を政府が握り、実質国有化することだ。経営陣も大幅に刷新し、新会長に支援機構の下河辺和彦・運営委員長が就く。
===
Govt required to do more
As TEPCO's new top shareholder, the government will be required to take a more active role in resolving the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and compensating victims of the crisis.
政府は東電の筆頭株主として、福島第一原発の事故収束や損害賠償などに、主体的に取り組まなければならない。
We give credit to TEPCO's business rehabilitation plan for increasing the amount of cost reductions planned over the next 10 years from 2.6 trillion yen to more than 3 trillion yen. We ask the power company to continue its consistent efforts to trim costs.
計画が、１０年間の経費削減額を従来の２・６兆円から３兆円超に上積みした点は評価できる。さらに不断の努力を続けてほしい。
The plan also sets a goal of moving into the black in fiscal 2013 through measures such as raising household electricity rates and resuming operations of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture.
家庭向けの電気料金値上げや、新潟県の柏崎刈羽原発の再稼働で収益を改善し、２０１３年度に黒字化する目標も掲げている。
However, this goal is unlikely to be easily achieved.
だが、こちらは実現へのハードルが高い。
TEPCO's sloppy handling of recent price hikes for large-lot customers prompted strong public criticism. Under such circumstances, it will be difficult for the power company to obtain public consent for raising household electricity rates. The power company also needs to dispel public distrust regarding the safety of nuclear power plants to resume operations of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.
大口料金値上げを巡る東電の不手際が、強い批判を浴びており、値上げに理解を得るのは容易でない。原発再稼働に向け、安全性への不信感払拭も求められる。
Of course, it is TEPCO's duty to earnestly ask the public to support the electricity price hike and the resumption of the nuclear power plant's operations, but the government must not leave those tasks up to the power company.
The government should take the lead in persuading the public, because owning the power company means the government will be directly responsible for approving TEPCO's price hike plan and deciding whether the reactivation of nuclear power plants is appropriate.
東電が値上げや再稼働への理解を真摯(しんし)に求めるのは当然だが、政府も東電任せにせず、説得の先頭に立たねばならない。値上げの認可も、再稼働の妥当性の判断も、決めるのは東電を所有する政府自身になるからだ。
It is also worthy to note that an attempt to introduce the so-called "in-house company system" was incorporated in TEPCO's business rehabilitation plan. It is a good idea to increase employees' awareness of costs by dividing the power company into smaller units, such as a thermal power generation section and an electric transmission and distribution section, and give each of them a certain level of autonomy.
事業計画に社内カンパニー制導入を盛り込んだ点も注目される。「火力発電」「送配電」などに分けて独立性をもたせ、コスト意識を高める狙いはいい。
However, it will be a problem if the power company uses management reform as a springboard to reforming the electricity system without the public noticing, such as separating power generation and transmission. Electricity system reform should be discussed carefully as a medium- and long-term issue.
ただし、東電改革を突破口に、なし崩しで発送電分離などを進めるのは問題だろう。電力制度改革は、中長期的な課題として慎重に議論すべきだ。
===
TEPCO's bleak outlook
There is concern that TEPCO's costs related to the nuclear crisis may increase by trillions of yen, due to factors such as the decommissioning of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and the need to decontaminate areas affected by radiation. Under the current system of support for the power company, such costs are shouldered by the government only temporarily. The power company will be required to pay back the loans to the government over a long time.
福島第一原発の廃炉や除染などで、今後さらに数兆円単位の費用が発生する懸念もある。現行の支援制度は、政府が支払いを立て替えるだけで、東電は長年にわたり債務返済を続けることになる。
If TEPCO is unable to show positive prospects for the future, it could prompt growing numbers of talented employees to leave, and the company itself could be restrained in its investments in plant and equipment. Under such circumstances, the company would have difficulty carrying out its vital missions of ending the nuclear crisis, paying compensation to victims and providing a stable energy supply.
東電の将来展望が見えないと、人材の流出や設備投資の抑制で、肝心の事故収束、損害賠償、電力安定供給に支障が出かねない。
If the costs of the nuclear crisis exceed the level that a private company can handle by itself, the government should pay a reasonable share.
民間企業の担える範囲を超えてコストが膨らむようなら、政府も応分の負担をするべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 28, 2012)
（2012年4月28日01時02分 読売新聞）
Govt takes on heavy burden in nationalizing TEPCO
東電事業計画 再稼働と値上げをどうする（4月28日付・読売社説）
The nationalization of Tokyo Electric Power Co. means that the government will be required to shoulder greater responsibilities for important energy polices such as resuming operations of suspended nuclear reactors.
東京電力の国有化で、政府は原子力発電所の再稼働などに一段と重い責任を負うことになる。
On Friday, TEPCO and the government's Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund submitted the power company's comprehensive business rehabilitation plan to Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano. Edano is expected to approve the plan, which was prepared jointly by the two entities, in early May or later.
東電と政府の原子力損害賠償支援機構が２７日、東電の再建を目指す「総合特別事業計画」をまとめ、枝野経済産業相に提出した。５月上旬にも経産相が認定する見通しという。
The plan was a prerequisite for TEPCO to receive 1 trillion yen in public funds. Now the power company needs to speed up reform of its management.
東電が支援機構を通じて１兆円の公的資金注入を受けるための計画だ。東電は経営改革を加速する必要がある。
The main point of the business rehabilitation plan is the government's acquisition of a majority equity stake in the power company on a voting-rights basis, which effectively means the company will be nationalized. TEPCO's management team will also be changed drastically, with Kazuhiko Shimokobe, head of the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund's steering committee, assuming TEPCO's chairmanship.
計画のポイントは、東電株の議決権の過半数を政府が握り、実質国有化することだ。経営陣も大幅に刷新し、新会長に支援機構の下河辺和彦・運営委員長が就く。
===
Govt required to do more
As TEPCO's new top shareholder, the government will be required to take a more active role in resolving the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and compensating victims of the crisis.
政府は東電の筆頭株主として、福島第一原発の事故収束や損害賠償などに、主体的に取り組まなければならない。
We give credit to TEPCO's business rehabilitation plan for increasing the amount of cost reductions planned over the next 10 years from 2.6 trillion yen to more than 3 trillion yen. We ask the power company to continue its consistent efforts to trim costs.
計画が、１０年間の経費削減額を従来の２・６兆円から３兆円超に上積みした点は評価できる。さらに不断の努力を続けてほしい。
The plan also sets a goal of moving into the black in fiscal 2013 through measures such as raising household electricity rates and resuming operations of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture.
家庭向けの電気料金値上げや、新潟県の柏崎刈羽原発の再稼働で収益を改善し、２０１３年度に黒字化する目標も掲げている。
However, this goal is unlikely to be easily achieved.
だが、こちらは実現へのハードルが高い。
TEPCO's sloppy handling of recent price hikes for large-lot customers prompted strong public criticism. Under such circumstances, it will be difficult for the power company to obtain public consent for raising household electricity rates. The power company also needs to dispel public distrust regarding the safety of nuclear power plants to resume operations of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.
大口料金値上げを巡る東電の不手際が、強い批判を浴びており、値上げに理解を得るのは容易でない。原発再稼働に向け、安全性への不信感払拭も求められる。
Of course, it is TEPCO's duty to earnestly ask the public to support the electricity price hike and the resumption of the nuclear power plant's operations, but the government must not leave those tasks up to the power company.
The government should take the lead in persuading the public, because owning the power company means the government will be directly responsible for approving TEPCO's price hike plan and deciding whether the reactivation of nuclear power plants is appropriate.
東電が値上げや再稼働への理解を真摯(しんし)に求めるのは当然だが、政府も東電任せにせず、説得の先頭に立たねばならない。値上げの認可も、再稼働の妥当性の判断も、決めるのは東電を所有する政府自身になるからだ。
It is also worthy to note that an attempt to introduce the so-called "in-house company system" was incorporated in TEPCO's business rehabilitation plan. It is a good idea to increase employees' awareness of costs by dividing the power company into smaller units, such as a thermal power generation section and an electric transmission and distribution section, and give each of them a certain level of autonomy.
事業計画に社内カンパニー制導入を盛り込んだ点も注目される。「火力発電」「送配電」などに分けて独立性をもたせ、コスト意識を高める狙いはいい。
However, it will be a problem if the power company uses management reform as a springboard to reforming the electricity system without the public noticing, such as separating power generation and transmission. Electricity system reform should be discussed carefully as a medium- and long-term issue.
ただし、東電改革を突破口に、なし崩しで発送電分離などを進めるのは問題だろう。電力制度改革は、中長期的な課題として慎重に議論すべきだ。
===
TEPCO's bleak outlook
There is concern that TEPCO's costs related to the nuclear crisis may increase by trillions of yen, due to factors such as the decommissioning of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and the need to decontaminate areas affected by radiation. Under the current system of support for the power company, such costs are shouldered by the government only temporarily. The power company will be required to pay back the loans to the government over a long time.
福島第一原発の廃炉や除染などで、今後さらに数兆円単位の費用が発生する懸念もある。現行の支援制度は、政府が支払いを立て替えるだけで、東電は長年にわたり債務返済を続けることになる。
If TEPCO is unable to show positive prospects for the future, it could prompt growing numbers of talented employees to leave, and the company itself could be restrained in its investments in plant and equipment. Under such circumstances, the company would have difficulty carrying out its vital missions of ending the nuclear crisis, paying compensation to victims and providing a stable energy supply.
東電の将来展望が見えないと、人材の流出や設備投資の抑制で、肝心の事故収束、損害賠償、電力安定供給に支障が出かねない。
If the costs of the nuclear crisis exceed the level that a private company can handle by itself, the government should pay a reasonable share.
民間企業の担える範囲を超えてコストが膨らむようなら、政府も応分の負担をするべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 28, 2012)
（2012年4月28日01時02分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 30, 2012)
Help low-income earners with reduced tax rates for necessities
消費税法案 軽減税率で低所得者層に配慮を（4月29日付・読売社説）
◆参考にしたい欧州の先行事例
Comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems is a top-priority issue that will influence the future course of the nation. Yet both the ruling and opposition parties have been acting too sluggishly over a bill related to the consumption tax hike.
社会保障と税の一体改革は、日本の将来を左右する最重要課題である。消費税率引き上げ関連法案を巡る与野党の動きは緩慢すぎる。
Diet deliberations on the bill have been put off until after the Golden Week holiday period, and the bill will effectively be deliberated at a special committee from mid-May. As things stand now, it is unlikely the bill will be passed into law by June 21, the end of the current Diet session.
関連法案の審議入りは、大型連休明けにずれ込んだ。特別委員会での実質審議は５月中旬からだ。このままでは、６月２１日までの会期内に成立しそうもない。
Amid these developments, there has at last emerged within the major opposition Liberal Democratic Party a movement to discuss a counterproposal to the government's bill. This should be highly praised as a constructive stance.
こうした中、自民党内でようやく、消費増税法案の対案を検討する動きが出てきた。建設的な姿勢として評価できる。
We want the LDP to work out the counterproposal, and debate it and the government's bill with the government.
自民党は対案をまとめ、政府に論戦を挑んでもらいたい。
===
LDP should make counterproposal
◆自民党は対案を示せ
Under the counterproposal that has emerged within the LDP, the consumption tax rate would be raised in one step from the current 5 percent to 10 percent in April 2015.
自民党内で浮上した対案は、２０１５年４月に消費税率を現行の５％から１０％へ一度に引き上げる内容である。
The LDP's idea differs from the government's proposal in how the tax hike is to be implemented, with the latter planning to raise the rate to 8 percent in April 2014 and then to 10 percent in October 2015.
１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％へ２段階で上げる政府案とは、引き上げ方式が異なる。
The LDP, which held power for many years, is responsible for the critical fiscal situation. The party appears to be tackling the task of putting the nation's fiscal house in order seriously, though belatedly.
長年政権を担ってきた自民党は危機的な財政状況に責任がある。遅ればせながら、財政再建へ本腰を入れようというのだろう。
The LDP also advocated the idea of raising the consumption tax to 10 percent as a campaign pledge during the House of Councillors election in 2010.
自民党は１０年の参院選でも「消費税１０％」を公約していた。
As the LDP's idea is in accord with the government's plan in terms of the eventual tax rate, there should be plenty of room for it to form a consensus with the government and the Democratic Party of Japan.
引き上げ後の税率では政府案と一致しており、政府・民主党と合意形成を図る余地は十分あるはずだ。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has repeatedly emphasized his determination to stake his political life on passage of the bill in the Diet.
野田首相は、消費増税法案の成立に、「政治生命を懸ける」との覚悟を繰り返し強調している。
Noda must exercise his leadership further by cooperating with DPJ leadership, including the party's Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, to bring about talks on the issue between the ruling and opposition parties.
輿石幹事長ら民主党執行部と連携し、与野党協議の実現に一層の指導力を発揮すべきだ。
One focal issue in Diet deliberations will be how to reduce the financial burden on low-income earners if the tax rate is raised.
消費増税法案を巡る国会審議で一つの焦点となるのは、増税にあたって、収入の少ない人の負担をいかに軽減するかである。
===
Sizable handouts problematic
◆ばらまき給付は問題だ
The bill would raise the rate in two phases, and also contains additional measures to aid low-income earners.
法案は二段構えの措置を盛り込んでいる。
When the tax rate is raised to 8 percent, a simple measure to grant cash benefits will be implemented. 税率を８％にする際、低所得者に現金を渡す「簡素な給付措置」を実施する。
Additionally, when the rate is raised to 10 percent, the government will introduce a Japanese version of the earned income tax credit, whereby the amount of tax people with low incomes owe will be reduced in accordance with their income, or they will receive a tax refund in cash.
その上で、税率を１０％にする時、所得に応じて減税か、現金支給を行う「給付付き税額控除」を導入するという内容だ。
It is said that the lower one's income, the heavier the burden of the consumption tax becomes.
消費税は、低所得者ほど負担感が大きいとされる。
Even if some measures are deemed necessary to lessen this burden, it is questionable that calls are growing within the DPJ to expand the scale of such steps, under the pretext of the simple benefit-granting step.
それを和らげる措置は必要だとしても、民主党内で、簡素な給付措置にかこつけて金額の大幅な上積みを求める声が強まっているのは、問題ではないか。
Worthy of note in this regard is the fact that the social security portion of the government's envisaged reforms of the social security and tax systems does include support measures worth 1.4 trillion yen for low-income earners.
Among them are reduction of nursing care insurance premiums and additional pension benefit payments for people in lower income brackets.
そもそも今回の一体改革では、社会保障分野に、介護保険料の軽減や年金給付の加算など計１兆４０００億円の低所得者対策が含まれている。
Taking this into account, the government must refrain from implementing yet another handout policy by bloating the amounts of the planned cash allowances and the scope of people eligible for them.
現金支給の金額や対象範囲を膨らませ、新たなバラマキにしてはならない。
To put the EITC program into force, it is imperative for the government to establish a system that will give it a clear understanding of the income of each household.
政府案の給付付き税額控除を実施するには、世帯所得を正確につかむことが必要になる。
Many experts are concerned, however, that even if the government employs a national numbering system to track incomes, it would be extremely difficult to have a completely accurate grasp of households' income from such sources as property holdings and financial asset.
しかし、共通番号制度が導入されても、不動産や金融資産の収入など所得全体を完全に把握するのは難しいと懸念される。
In most European countries, where value-added taxes were put in place long before Japan's introduction of the consumption tax, the tax rates are markedly high at around 20 percent. However, they adopted reduced tax rate systems aimed at lowering rates for daily necessities such as food.
日本より前から付加価値税を導入している欧州諸国の大半は、税率こそ２０％前後と高いが、食料品など生活必需品の税率を低く抑える軽減税率を採用している。
Even when a VAT rate is raised, the reduced tax rates for goods indispensable for daily life have mostly remained the same. This mechanism is well suited to the need that may arise in the future to raise taxes in a flexible way.
税率を引き上げる場合も、暮らしに欠かせない商品は軽減税率が維持される。機動的な増税を可能にする利点と言える。
There are also many countries in which high importance has been placed on the culture of printed media and news organizations' contribution to the public good, so tax rates on such publications as newspapers and books have been kept at very low levels.
活字文化と言論報道の公共性を重視して、新聞や書籍などの税率を大幅に低くする国も多い。
The tax rates for such items are zero in Britain, 2.1 percent in France and 4 percent in Italy, which experts say demonstrates that the tradition of "not levying tax on knowledge" has taken root in these nations.
イギリス０％、フランス２・１％、イタリア４％などで、「知識には課税しない」との伝統が定着しているからだという。
===
Hold discussions immediately
Probably because Japan's consumption tax rate is substantially lower than VATs in Europe, there has so far been little discussion about the need for a system of reduced tax rates. The examples in Europe mentioned above are worth noting in this respect.
日本では、消費税率が欧州ほど高くないため、これまで軽減税率の必要性があまり論議されなかった。欧州の先例は参考になる。
In a nationwide survey The Yomiuri Shimbun conducted earlier this month, 74 percent of respondents favored "introducing a reduced tax rate system when the consumption tax rate is raised."
読売新聞が今月実施した世論調査では、消費税率の引き上げ時に軽減税率を「導入すべきだ」とした人が全体の７４％を占めた。
It should be considered reasonable and proper that Noda said last week that his administration is ready to study the advisability of adopting a reduced tax rate system. Appearing on a TV program, the prime minister said, "I think there are a lot of proposals [for adoption of reduced tax rate system] from both the public and opposition parties, and I would like to have serious discussions on the matter."
野田首相が先週、軽減税率を検討するという考えを表明したのは妥当な判断だ。首相はテレビ番組で、「国民や野党からいろいろ提案があると思う。真摯(しんし)に向き合った議論をしたい」と語った。
◆与野党は議論を急げ
Since the prime minister's remarks, the atmosphere has become more conducive to discussions on the advisability of adopting a reduced tax rate system.
首相発言を受けて、軽減税率を議論する機運が高まっている。
Keiichi Ishii, chairman of New Komeito's Policy Research Council, said at a news conference recently: "This country may adopt a reduced tax rate system or an EITC formula, or both. It's important to clarify concrete specifics of these measures in a reliable way."
公明党の石井政調会長は記者会見で、「軽減税率の導入と給付付き税額控除のどちらもあり得る。具体的な中身をきちんと出すことが重要だ」と述べた。
The LDP, for its part, has also been studying the wisdom of introducing a reduced tax rate system for daily commodities when the consumption rate is raised to 10 percent.
自民党も、税率を１０％に引き上げた際、生活必需品に軽減税率を導入する案を検討している。
The government, however, has failed to incorporate creation of a reduced tax rate system into its bill, on such grounds as that doing so would make it difficult to secure necessary tax revenues, and that it would be difficult to distinguish between goods eligible for lower rates and those that are not.
ところが、政府は「必要な税収が確保できない」「対象の線引きが難しい」などを理由に、法案に軽減税率を盛り込んでいない。
The ruling and opposition parties are strongly urged to quickly hold in-depth discussions about what system the public would find realistic and intelligible.
どんな制度が現実的で、国民にも分かりやすいか、与野党はしっかり議論してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 29, 2012)
（2012年4月29日01時28分 読売新聞）
Help low-income earners with reduced tax rates for necessities
消費税法案 軽減税率で低所得者層に配慮を（4月29日付・読売社説）
◆参考にしたい欧州の先行事例
Comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems is a top-priority issue that will influence the future course of the nation. Yet both the ruling and opposition parties have been acting too sluggishly over a bill related to the consumption tax hike.
社会保障と税の一体改革は、日本の将来を左右する最重要課題である。消費税率引き上げ関連法案を巡る与野党の動きは緩慢すぎる。
Diet deliberations on the bill have been put off until after the Golden Week holiday period, and the bill will effectively be deliberated at a special committee from mid-May. As things stand now, it is unlikely the bill will be passed into law by June 21, the end of the current Diet session.
関連法案の審議入りは、大型連休明けにずれ込んだ。特別委員会での実質審議は５月中旬からだ。このままでは、６月２１日までの会期内に成立しそうもない。
Amid these developments, there has at last emerged within the major opposition Liberal Democratic Party a movement to discuss a counterproposal to the government's bill. This should be highly praised as a constructive stance.
こうした中、自民党内でようやく、消費増税法案の対案を検討する動きが出てきた。建設的な姿勢として評価できる。
We want the LDP to work out the counterproposal, and debate it and the government's bill with the government.
自民党は対案をまとめ、政府に論戦を挑んでもらいたい。
===
LDP should make counterproposal
◆自民党は対案を示せ
Under the counterproposal that has emerged within the LDP, the consumption tax rate would be raised in one step from the current 5 percent to 10 percent in April 2015.
自民党内で浮上した対案は、２０１５年４月に消費税率を現行の５％から１０％へ一度に引き上げる内容である。
The LDP's idea differs from the government's proposal in how the tax hike is to be implemented, with the latter planning to raise the rate to 8 percent in April 2014 and then to 10 percent in October 2015.
１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％へ２段階で上げる政府案とは、引き上げ方式が異なる。
The LDP, which held power for many years, is responsible for the critical fiscal situation. The party appears to be tackling the task of putting the nation's fiscal house in order seriously, though belatedly.
長年政権を担ってきた自民党は危機的な財政状況に責任がある。遅ればせながら、財政再建へ本腰を入れようというのだろう。
The LDP also advocated the idea of raising the consumption tax to 10 percent as a campaign pledge during the House of Councillors election in 2010.
自民党は１０年の参院選でも「消費税１０％」を公約していた。
As the LDP's idea is in accord with the government's plan in terms of the eventual tax rate, there should be plenty of room for it to form a consensus with the government and the Democratic Party of Japan.
引き上げ後の税率では政府案と一致しており、政府・民主党と合意形成を図る余地は十分あるはずだ。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has repeatedly emphasized his determination to stake his political life on passage of the bill in the Diet.
野田首相は、消費増税法案の成立に、「政治生命を懸ける」との覚悟を繰り返し強調している。
Noda must exercise his leadership further by cooperating with DPJ leadership, including the party's Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, to bring about talks on the issue between the ruling and opposition parties.
輿石幹事長ら民主党執行部と連携し、与野党協議の実現に一層の指導力を発揮すべきだ。
One focal issue in Diet deliberations will be how to reduce the financial burden on low-income earners if the tax rate is raised.
消費増税法案を巡る国会審議で一つの焦点となるのは、増税にあたって、収入の少ない人の負担をいかに軽減するかである。
===
Sizable handouts problematic
◆ばらまき給付は問題だ
The bill would raise the rate in two phases, and also contains additional measures to aid low-income earners.
法案は二段構えの措置を盛り込んでいる。
When the tax rate is raised to 8 percent, a simple measure to grant cash benefits will be implemented. 税率を８％にする際、低所得者に現金を渡す「簡素な給付措置」を実施する。
Additionally, when the rate is raised to 10 percent, the government will introduce a Japanese version of the earned income tax credit, whereby the amount of tax people with low incomes owe will be reduced in accordance with their income, or they will receive a tax refund in cash.
その上で、税率を１０％にする時、所得に応じて減税か、現金支給を行う「給付付き税額控除」を導入するという内容だ。
It is said that the lower one's income, the heavier the burden of the consumption tax becomes.
消費税は、低所得者ほど負担感が大きいとされる。
Even if some measures are deemed necessary to lessen this burden, it is questionable that calls are growing within the DPJ to expand the scale of such steps, under the pretext of the simple benefit-granting step.
それを和らげる措置は必要だとしても、民主党内で、簡素な給付措置にかこつけて金額の大幅な上積みを求める声が強まっているのは、問題ではないか。
Worthy of note in this regard is the fact that the social security portion of the government's envisaged reforms of the social security and tax systems does include support measures worth 1.4 trillion yen for low-income earners.
Among them are reduction of nursing care insurance premiums and additional pension benefit payments for people in lower income brackets.
そもそも今回の一体改革では、社会保障分野に、介護保険料の軽減や年金給付の加算など計１兆４０００億円の低所得者対策が含まれている。
Taking this into account, the government must refrain from implementing yet another handout policy by bloating the amounts of the planned cash allowances and the scope of people eligible for them.
現金支給の金額や対象範囲を膨らませ、新たなバラマキにしてはならない。
To put the EITC program into force, it is imperative for the government to establish a system that will give it a clear understanding of the income of each household.
政府案の給付付き税額控除を実施するには、世帯所得を正確につかむことが必要になる。
Many experts are concerned, however, that even if the government employs a national numbering system to track incomes, it would be extremely difficult to have a completely accurate grasp of households' income from such sources as property holdings and financial asset.
しかし、共通番号制度が導入されても、不動産や金融資産の収入など所得全体を完全に把握するのは難しいと懸念される。
In most European countries, where value-added taxes were put in place long before Japan's introduction of the consumption tax, the tax rates are markedly high at around 20 percent. However, they adopted reduced tax rate systems aimed at lowering rates for daily necessities such as food.
日本より前から付加価値税を導入している欧州諸国の大半は、税率こそ２０％前後と高いが、食料品など生活必需品の税率を低く抑える軽減税率を採用している。
Even when a VAT rate is raised, the reduced tax rates for goods indispensable for daily life have mostly remained the same. This mechanism is well suited to the need that may arise in the future to raise taxes in a flexible way.
税率を引き上げる場合も、暮らしに欠かせない商品は軽減税率が維持される。機動的な増税を可能にする利点と言える。
There are also many countries in which high importance has been placed on the culture of printed media and news organizations' contribution to the public good, so tax rates on such publications as newspapers and books have been kept at very low levels.
活字文化と言論報道の公共性を重視して、新聞や書籍などの税率を大幅に低くする国も多い。
The tax rates for such items are zero in Britain, 2.1 percent in France and 4 percent in Italy, which experts say demonstrates that the tradition of "not levying tax on knowledge" has taken root in these nations.
イギリス０％、フランス２・１％、イタリア４％などで、「知識には課税しない」との伝統が定着しているからだという。
===
Hold discussions immediately
Probably because Japan's consumption tax rate is substantially lower than VATs in Europe, there has so far been little discussion about the need for a system of reduced tax rates. The examples in Europe mentioned above are worth noting in this respect.
日本では、消費税率が欧州ほど高くないため、これまで軽減税率の必要性があまり論議されなかった。欧州の先例は参考になる。
In a nationwide survey The Yomiuri Shimbun conducted earlier this month, 74 percent of respondents favored "introducing a reduced tax rate system when the consumption tax rate is raised."
読売新聞が今月実施した世論調査では、消費税率の引き上げ時に軽減税率を「導入すべきだ」とした人が全体の７４％を占めた。
It should be considered reasonable and proper that Noda said last week that his administration is ready to study the advisability of adopting a reduced tax rate system. Appearing on a TV program, the prime minister said, "I think there are a lot of proposals [for adoption of reduced tax rate system] from both the public and opposition parties, and I would like to have serious discussions on the matter."
野田首相が先週、軽減税率を検討するという考えを表明したのは妥当な判断だ。首相はテレビ番組で、「国民や野党からいろいろ提案があると思う。真摯(しんし)に向き合った議論をしたい」と語った。
◆与野党は議論を急げ
Since the prime minister's remarks, the atmosphere has become more conducive to discussions on the advisability of adopting a reduced tax rate system.
首相発言を受けて、軽減税率を議論する機運が高まっている。
Keiichi Ishii, chairman of New Komeito's Policy Research Council, said at a news conference recently: "This country may adopt a reduced tax rate system or an EITC formula, or both. It's important to clarify concrete specifics of these measures in a reliable way."
公明党の石井政調会長は記者会見で、「軽減税率の導入と給付付き税額控除のどちらもあり得る。具体的な中身をきちんと出すことが重要だ」と述べた。
The LDP, for its part, has also been studying the wisdom of introducing a reduced tax rate system for daily commodities when the consumption rate is raised to 10 percent.
自民党も、税率を１０％に引き上げた際、生活必需品に軽減税率を導入する案を検討している。
The government, however, has failed to incorporate creation of a reduced tax rate system into its bill, on such grounds as that doing so would make it difficult to secure necessary tax revenues, and that it would be difficult to distinguish between goods eligible for lower rates and those that are not.
ところが、政府は「必要な税収が確保できない」「対象の線引きが難しい」などを理由に、法案に軽減税率を盛り込んでいない。
The ruling and opposition parties are strongly urged to quickly hold in-depth discussions about what system the public would find realistic and intelligible.
どんな制度が現実的で、国民にも分かりやすいか、与野党はしっかり議論してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 29, 2012)
（2012年4月29日01時28分 読売新聞）
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[ はじめに ]
タイのスラチャイです。
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[ 名前 ]
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[ 略歴 ]
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遅くとも着実な者が勝利する
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[ 学習の手引き ]
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・翻訳和文で専門用語確認
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Mainichi
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Washington Post
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Phuket Gazette
[ 英字新聞の英和対訳学習 ]
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21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
基礎タイ語一覧(タイ文字、音声付き）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
seesaa100 英字新聞s HPs ２
タイの文化一覧:
01 雨の日にも傘をささないタイ人
02 勉強熱心なタイ人女性たち
03 タイ人は敬謙な仏教徒
04 タイの市場
05 タイの食堂
06 タイ人は外食が大好き
07 果物王国タイランド
08 タイ人の誕生日
09 タイの電話代は高い
10 微笑みの国タイランド
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
１４の戒律解説
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律
[ 英字新聞リンク ]
yahoo geolog
yaplog
worldpress
teacup
jugem
hatena
@word
blogger
biglobe
excite
a8
so-net
ameblo
wox
rakuten
ninja
seesaa
goo
fc2
yahoo
livedoor
dreamlog
[ HPリンク ]
HP2 srachai2000_2
Japanese for Thai students
タイ語学習サイト
ラオ日・日老辞書
cocolog 家族のアルバム
fc2 家族のアルバム
