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The Yomiuri Shimbun October 3, 2013
Abe must ensure economic recovery, fiscal reconstruction are compatible
消費税率８％へ 景気と財政へ首相の重い決断（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆来春から必需品に軽減税率を◆
The true value of the Abe administration, which emphasizes the revitalization of the economy, will be put to the test as it tackles the task of realizing economic recovery alongside fiscal rehabilitation.
景気回復と財政再建をどう両立させるか。日本再生を掲げる安倍政権の真価が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Tuesday that the government will raise the consumption tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as planned. He also said the government will implement a ¥5 trillion economic stimulus package, including a corporate tax cut.
安倍首相が、来年４月に消費税率を５％から８％に予定通り引き上げると表明した。企業減税など５兆円規模の経済対策も打ち出す。
We believe the tax hike planed for next spring should have been postponed to accomplish the main task of dragging the nation out of its deflationary phase. However, now that the prime minister has made this important decision, we have no choice but to accept it.
デフレからの脱却を最優先し、来春の増税を先送りすべきであるが、首相が自らの責任で重い決断をした以上、これを受け止めるしかあるまい。
It would be terrible if the consumption tax hike stalled the economy. The government must ensure that its economic management policy is sound.
消費増税で景気を腰折れさせては本末転倒だ。政府は経済運営に万全を期さねばならない。
Job recovery halfway
◆雇用の回復は道半ば◆
At a press conference Tuesday, Abe explained the reason for going ahead with the tax increase, saying: “By helping the nation regain hope, vitality and confidence...we’re determined to pass a sustainable social security system to the next generation. This is the responsibility my Cabinet must fulfill.”
首相は記者会見で、増税を決断した理由について、「国の信認を維持し、社会保障制度を次の世代にしっかり引き渡すことが私の内閣の責任だ」と説明した。
Securing a stable revenue source for ever-rising social security expenses—such as public pension, health care and nursing care programs—through the consumption tax hike is the foundation for implementing comprehensive social security and tax reforms agreed on by the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan.
膨張する年金、医療、介護など社会保障費の安定財源を消費税増税で確保することは、自民、公明、民主の３党が決めた社会保障と税の一体改革の根幹である。
The central government’s debts have grown beyond the ¥1 quadrillion mark, the highest among major economic powers.
In the financial market and elsewhere, there had been concerns that if the government postponed the consumption tax hike planned for next April, government bond prices would nosedive.
国の借金は既に１０００兆円を超え、先進国で最悪だ。市場などでは、来春の消費増税を見送れば、国債が暴落しかねないといった懸念も出ていた。
In light of the rapid acceleration of graying society and the chronically low birthrate, we believe the course of action taken toward raising the tax rate is reasonable.
少子高齢化の急激な進行を踏まえれば、消費税率を引き上げる方向性は正しい。
What is problematic is the possibility that the economy, which has at long last started turning upward, will lose steam due to the tax rate hike.
問題なのは、ようやく景気が上向いてきた日本経済が来春の消費増税で失速しないかどうか、不透明なことである。
The Bank of Japan’s closely watched Tankan survey showed that business sentiment among major companies improved significantly in September, posting the highest reading since the collapse of the Lehman Brothers in autumn 2008. Yet the pace of recovery is expected to slow down in the months ahead.
日銀の９月企業短期経済観測調査（短観）で、大企業の景況感は大きく改善し、リーマン・ショック前の水準に戻った。だが、今後はペースが鈍るとみられる。
Even more worrisome is the employment situation. The jobless rate in August rose to the 4 percent level for the first time in three months, while wages of salaried workers have continued to decline.
さらに懸念されるのは雇用情勢だ。８月の失業率は３か月ぶりに４％台に上昇し、サラリーマンの給与も減少が続いている。
“By resolutely implementing bold economic measures, we’ll seize this opportunity for economic recovery,” Abe said.
首相は、「大胆な経済対策を果断に実行し、景気回復のチャンスを確実にする」と述べた。
Tax cuts urgently needed
◆法人税率下げは急務だ◆
Among the government’s economic stimulus measures is a corporate tax cut for companies that raise their workers’ wages, as well as tax reductions aimed at prompting capital investment and implementing research and development activities.
経済対策には、民間設備投資や研究開発を促す政策減税のほか、従業員の賃上げに踏み切った企業を対象にした税負担の軽減策拡充などを盛り込む。
The new set of pump-priming measures also includes a plan to consider ending a temporary increase in the corporate tax rate aimed at helping finance reconstruction projects following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. After studying the pros and cons of scrapping the current special tax hike one year earlier than initially planned, the government aims to arrive at a conclusion on the matter by the end of the year.
震災復興のため法人税に上乗せしている「復興特別法人税」についても、１年前倒しで廃止する方向で年内に結論を出す。
It is undoubtedly essential to secure a source of revenue that can supplant the special corporate tax increase to fund postquake rebuilding policies and programs. Under such circumstances, the prime minister had every reason to say, “Nothing should hamper reconstruction efforts.”
無論、特別法人税に代わる復興財源をしっかり確保することが不可欠だ。首相が「復興に支障が生じることがあってはならない」と述べたのは当然である。
He also urged the ruling parties to consider lowering the effective corporate tax rate immediately. As things stand, the rate, which is the ratio of corporations’ national and local tax payments to their taxable incomes, is higher than those levied in other major economies. No time should be wasted in boosting the international competitiveness of Japanese companies while at the same time attracting greater foreign investment to Japan.
首相はまた、主要国に比べて高い法人税の実効税率引き下げについても、与党に速やかな検討開始を求めた。企業の国際競争力強化や、海外からの対日投資の拡大は喫緊の課題と言える。
In this regard, the prime minister’s initiative in drawing up a road map for reducing the effective corporate tax rate is quite significant.
首相の主導で実効税率引き下げに道筋をつけた意味は大きい。
However, Abe’s plan to raise the consumption tax rate, coupled with envisaged corporate tax cuts, has drawn fire from the public, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, for what they see as “preferential treatment for companies.”
ただし、消費税を増税する一方で、企業減税することに対し、国民や与野党から「企業優遇だ」などの批判が出ている。
Private-sector corporations are key players in the pursuit of economic growth. By taking advantage of the government’s support measures, they should play a role in facilitating a positive growth cycle through such measures as using their internal reserves for capital and other investment, as well as wage increases.
経済成長の主役は民間企業である。政策支援を追い風に、企業も内部留保を投資や賃上げに活用するなど、経済成長の「好循環」に貢献することが求められる。
The new economic stimulus package is worth about ¥5 trillion, equivalent to the amount of revenue that could be raised through a two percentage point hike in the consumption tax rate. If it is reduced to a package of mostly show, but little substance, the set of pump-priming measures would do little to underpin the economy.
経済対策は約５兆円と、消費税率２％分の規模を確保するが、「見かけ倒し」では、景気を十分に支えることはできまい。
The question is whether a wide range of corporations will adequately take advantage of the tax cuts and other planned steps. The government needs to closely examine what will ensue from the package.
減税措置などを幅広い企業が利用するかどうか、政府は成果を検証する必要がある。
The government should avoid counting on a revenue increase that could be made possible through the consumption tax rate hike, anticipating it could increase the number of public works projects, including nonessential ones.
消費税の増収分を当て込み、不要不急の公共事業を拡大することも避けるべきだ。
An extraordinary Diet session is scheduled to convene in mid-October, with a number of important items on the agenda, including a bill for increasing industrial competitiveness. The legislation is a major part of the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
今月中旬に始まる臨時国会は、安倍政権の掲げる成長戦略の柱である産業競争力強化法案など、重要なテーマが多い。
We hope the government and the ruling parties will do all they can to ensure the upcoming Diet session proceeds smoothly, while also achieving their intended goals as swiftly as possible. This is essential as the Diet session should serve as a forum for discussions on how to set our nation’s growth strategy in motion.
名実ともに「成長戦略実現国会」となるよう、政府・与党は円滑な国会運営に全力を尽くし、迅速に成果を上げてもらいたい。
Simple allowance not enough
◆簡素な給付では力不足◆
It will take some time for the benefits of the planned corporate tax cuts to reach consumers through wage hikes. With this in mind, it is necessary to take measures that will benefit them in the short term to prevent a decline in personal consumption.
企業減税の効果が賃金上昇を通じて消費者に波及するまでには、一定の時間がかかるだろう。個人消費の落ち込みを防ぐため、即効性のある手立てが要る。
The government intends to implement what it calls “a simple allowance-granting measure” targeting low-income households in the form of a payment of ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per person. However, there is a limit to what can be gained through such temporary handouts.
政府は、低所得世帯を対象に１人当たり１万～１万５０００円を支給する「簡素な給付措置」を講じる構えだが、一時的な現金支給では効果は限定的である。
We believe a wider range of consumers, including people in the lower-income bracket, would benefit more from lower consumption tax rates for rice and other daily necessities, as well as newspapers that support democracy and a culture that values printed material.
コメなどの生活必需品や、民主主義と活字文化を支える新聞の消費税率を抑える「軽減税率」の方が、低所得層など広範な消費者に持続的な恩恵が及ぶはずだ。
The LDP and Komeito have said they will seek to introduce lower tax rates for basic necessities when the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent. But we believe a reduced tax scheme should be put in place when the consumption tax rate is increased to 8 percent next spring to reduce the burden shouldered by ordinary households.
自民、公明両党は、消費税率を１０％にする際に軽減税率の導入を目指すというが、来春の８％への引き上げ時に導入し、家計の負担を和らげるべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 2, 2013)
（2013年10月2日01時31分 読売新聞）
Abe must ensure economic recovery, fiscal reconstruction are compatible
消費税率８％へ 景気と財政へ首相の重い決断（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆来春から必需品に軽減税率を◆
The true value of the Abe administration, which emphasizes the revitalization of the economy, will be put to the test as it tackles the task of realizing economic recovery alongside fiscal rehabilitation.
景気回復と財政再建をどう両立させるか。日本再生を掲げる安倍政権の真価が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Tuesday that the government will raise the consumption tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as planned. He also said the government will implement a ¥5 trillion economic stimulus package, including a corporate tax cut.
安倍首相が、来年４月に消費税率を５％から８％に予定通り引き上げると表明した。企業減税など５兆円規模の経済対策も打ち出す。
We believe the tax hike planed for next spring should have been postponed to accomplish the main task of dragging the nation out of its deflationary phase. However, now that the prime minister has made this important decision, we have no choice but to accept it.
デフレからの脱却を最優先し、来春の増税を先送りすべきであるが、首相が自らの責任で重い決断をした以上、これを受け止めるしかあるまい。
It would be terrible if the consumption tax hike stalled the economy. The government must ensure that its economic management policy is sound.
消費増税で景気を腰折れさせては本末転倒だ。政府は経済運営に万全を期さねばならない。
Job recovery halfway
◆雇用の回復は道半ば◆
At a press conference Tuesday, Abe explained the reason for going ahead with the tax increase, saying: “By helping the nation regain hope, vitality and confidence...we’re determined to pass a sustainable social security system to the next generation. This is the responsibility my Cabinet must fulfill.”
首相は記者会見で、増税を決断した理由について、「国の信認を維持し、社会保障制度を次の世代にしっかり引き渡すことが私の内閣の責任だ」と説明した。
Securing a stable revenue source for ever-rising social security expenses—such as public pension, health care and nursing care programs—through the consumption tax hike is the foundation for implementing comprehensive social security and tax reforms agreed on by the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan.
膨張する年金、医療、介護など社会保障費の安定財源を消費税増税で確保することは、自民、公明、民主の３党が決めた社会保障と税の一体改革の根幹である。
The central government’s debts have grown beyond the ¥1 quadrillion mark, the highest among major economic powers.
In the financial market and elsewhere, there had been concerns that if the government postponed the consumption tax hike planned for next April, government bond prices would nosedive.
国の借金は既に１０００兆円を超え、先進国で最悪だ。市場などでは、来春の消費増税を見送れば、国債が暴落しかねないといった懸念も出ていた。
In light of the rapid acceleration of graying society and the chronically low birthrate, we believe the course of action taken toward raising the tax rate is reasonable.
少子高齢化の急激な進行を踏まえれば、消費税率を引き上げる方向性は正しい。
What is problematic is the possibility that the economy, which has at long last started turning upward, will lose steam due to the tax rate hike.
問題なのは、ようやく景気が上向いてきた日本経済が来春の消費増税で失速しないかどうか、不透明なことである。
The Bank of Japan’s closely watched Tankan survey showed that business sentiment among major companies improved significantly in September, posting the highest reading since the collapse of the Lehman Brothers in autumn 2008. Yet the pace of recovery is expected to slow down in the months ahead.
日銀の９月企業短期経済観測調査（短観）で、大企業の景況感は大きく改善し、リーマン・ショック前の水準に戻った。だが、今後はペースが鈍るとみられる。
Even more worrisome is the employment situation. The jobless rate in August rose to the 4 percent level for the first time in three months, while wages of salaried workers have continued to decline.
さらに懸念されるのは雇用情勢だ。８月の失業率は３か月ぶりに４％台に上昇し、サラリーマンの給与も減少が続いている。
“By resolutely implementing bold economic measures, we’ll seize this opportunity for economic recovery,” Abe said.
首相は、「大胆な経済対策を果断に実行し、景気回復のチャンスを確実にする」と述べた。
Tax cuts urgently needed
◆法人税率下げは急務だ◆
Among the government’s economic stimulus measures is a corporate tax cut for companies that raise their workers’ wages, as well as tax reductions aimed at prompting capital investment and implementing research and development activities.
経済対策には、民間設備投資や研究開発を促す政策減税のほか、従業員の賃上げに踏み切った企業を対象にした税負担の軽減策拡充などを盛り込む。
The new set of pump-priming measures also includes a plan to consider ending a temporary increase in the corporate tax rate aimed at helping finance reconstruction projects following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. After studying the pros and cons of scrapping the current special tax hike one year earlier than initially planned, the government aims to arrive at a conclusion on the matter by the end of the year.
震災復興のため法人税に上乗せしている「復興特別法人税」についても、１年前倒しで廃止する方向で年内に結論を出す。
It is undoubtedly essential to secure a source of revenue that can supplant the special corporate tax increase to fund postquake rebuilding policies and programs. Under such circumstances, the prime minister had every reason to say, “Nothing should hamper reconstruction efforts.”
無論、特別法人税に代わる復興財源をしっかり確保することが不可欠だ。首相が「復興に支障が生じることがあってはならない」と述べたのは当然である。
He also urged the ruling parties to consider lowering the effective corporate tax rate immediately. As things stand, the rate, which is the ratio of corporations’ national and local tax payments to their taxable incomes, is higher than those levied in other major economies. No time should be wasted in boosting the international competitiveness of Japanese companies while at the same time attracting greater foreign investment to Japan.
首相はまた、主要国に比べて高い法人税の実効税率引き下げについても、与党に速やかな検討開始を求めた。企業の国際競争力強化や、海外からの対日投資の拡大は喫緊の課題と言える。
In this regard, the prime minister’s initiative in drawing up a road map for reducing the effective corporate tax rate is quite significant.
首相の主導で実効税率引き下げに道筋をつけた意味は大きい。
However, Abe’s plan to raise the consumption tax rate, coupled with envisaged corporate tax cuts, has drawn fire from the public, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, for what they see as “preferential treatment for companies.”
ただし、消費税を増税する一方で、企業減税することに対し、国民や与野党から「企業優遇だ」などの批判が出ている。
Private-sector corporations are key players in the pursuit of economic growth. By taking advantage of the government’s support measures, they should play a role in facilitating a positive growth cycle through such measures as using their internal reserves for capital and other investment, as well as wage increases.
経済成長の主役は民間企業である。政策支援を追い風に、企業も内部留保を投資や賃上げに活用するなど、経済成長の「好循環」に貢献することが求められる。
The new economic stimulus package is worth about ¥5 trillion, equivalent to the amount of revenue that could be raised through a two percentage point hike in the consumption tax rate. If it is reduced to a package of mostly show, but little substance, the set of pump-priming measures would do little to underpin the economy.
経済対策は約５兆円と、消費税率２％分の規模を確保するが、「見かけ倒し」では、景気を十分に支えることはできまい。
The question is whether a wide range of corporations will adequately take advantage of the tax cuts and other planned steps. The government needs to closely examine what will ensue from the package.
減税措置などを幅広い企業が利用するかどうか、政府は成果を検証する必要がある。
The government should avoid counting on a revenue increase that could be made possible through the consumption tax rate hike, anticipating it could increase the number of public works projects, including nonessential ones.
消費税の増収分を当て込み、不要不急の公共事業を拡大することも避けるべきだ。
An extraordinary Diet session is scheduled to convene in mid-October, with a number of important items on the agenda, including a bill for increasing industrial competitiveness. The legislation is a major part of the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
今月中旬に始まる臨時国会は、安倍政権の掲げる成長戦略の柱である産業競争力強化法案など、重要なテーマが多い。
We hope the government and the ruling parties will do all they can to ensure the upcoming Diet session proceeds smoothly, while also achieving their intended goals as swiftly as possible. This is essential as the Diet session should serve as a forum for discussions on how to set our nation’s growth strategy in motion.
名実ともに「成長戦略実現国会」となるよう、政府・与党は円滑な国会運営に全力を尽くし、迅速に成果を上げてもらいたい。
Simple allowance not enough
◆簡素な給付では力不足◆
It will take some time for the benefits of the planned corporate tax cuts to reach consumers through wage hikes. With this in mind, it is necessary to take measures that will benefit them in the short term to prevent a decline in personal consumption.
企業減税の効果が賃金上昇を通じて消費者に波及するまでには、一定の時間がかかるだろう。個人消費の落ち込みを防ぐため、即効性のある手立てが要る。
The government intends to implement what it calls “a simple allowance-granting measure” targeting low-income households in the form of a payment of ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per person. However, there is a limit to what can be gained through such temporary handouts.
政府は、低所得世帯を対象に１人当たり１万～１万５０００円を支給する「簡素な給付措置」を講じる構えだが、一時的な現金支給では効果は限定的である。
We believe a wider range of consumers, including people in the lower-income bracket, would benefit more from lower consumption tax rates for rice and other daily necessities, as well as newspapers that support democracy and a culture that values printed material.
コメなどの生活必需品や、民主主義と活字文化を支える新聞の消費税率を抑える「軽減税率」の方が、低所得層など広範な消費者に持続的な恩恵が及ぶはずだ。
The LDP and Komeito have said they will seek to introduce lower tax rates for basic necessities when the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent. But we believe a reduced tax scheme should be put in place when the consumption tax rate is increased to 8 percent next spring to reduce the burden shouldered by ordinary households.
自民、公明両党は、消費税率を１０％にする際に軽減税率の導入を目指すというが、来春の８％への引き上げ時に導入し、家計の負担を和らげるべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 2, 2013)
（2013年10月2日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun October 2, 2013
UNSC resolution on Syria crisis must have bite to back up bark
シリア化学兵器 安保理決議の実効性を示せ（10月1日付・読売社説）
The resolution on Syria adopted by the U.N. Security Council on Friday marked the first step in the international community’s attempt to work together to end the civil war raging in that country. It is essential that the international community must demonstrate the resolution designed to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will be effective.
国際社会が結束してシリア内戦収拾に取り組む第一歩である。化学兵器の一掃へ決議の実効性を示すことが重要だ。
The resolution bans Syria from producing and moving chemical weapons, and calls for the country to relinquish all such weapons in the first half of 2014.
国連安全保障理事会がシリアに、化学兵器の製造や移動を禁じ、来年前半までにすべての化学兵器を廃棄するよう求める決議を採択した。
Three previous resolutions critical of the administration of President Bashar Assad over the civil war had been submitted to the Security Council at the initiative of the United States, Britain and France. However, none were approved because they were vetoed by Russia, which supports the Assad administration, and China.
シリア内戦を巡って、安保理では、米国や英仏の主導によりアサド政権を非難する決議案が３度提出されたが、政権を支えるロシアや中国の拒否権行使でいずれも阻まれてきた。
This is the first time a resolution obligating Syria to take specific actions has been adopted at the Security Council after being approved by Russia and China. As such, it is extremely significant.
シリア政府に特定の行動を義務付ける安保理決議が、露中も同意して採択されたのは初めてだ。決議の持つ意義は重い。
U.S. President Barack Obama has lacked consistency in carrying out a series of diplomatic moves vis-a-vis Damascus, undercutting the high expectations placed on him to play a leadership role. As things turned out, however, leadership on this matter fell into the hands of Russia, which has been trying to extend the life of the Assad regime.
ただ、一連のシリア外交で、最も指導力を期待されたオバマ米大統領の政策は一貫性を欠いた。結果として、アサド大統領の延命を図るロシアに主導権を取られてしまった。
When the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons came to light in August, Obama announced a plan to launch a punitive military attack against Syria. But with the U.S. Congress appearing increasingly unlikely to back Obama’s plan, he accepted a Russian proposal calling for eliminating Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons, thereby postponing the military strike.
８月に化学兵器攻撃が発覚した際、オバマ氏はシリアに懲罰的な軍事攻撃を行う方針を表明した。にもかかわらず、米議会による攻撃承認のメドが立たぬうちに、化学兵器廃棄を求めるロシアの提案を受け入れ、攻撃を見送った。
The resolution adopted this time calls for carrying out enforcement steps based on Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for economic sanctions and military action, if the Assad administration fails to comply. This reflects the demands of the United States and some other Security Council members.
今回の決議は、アサド政権が違反した場合、経済制裁や軍事行動を定めた国連憲章第７章に基づく強制措置をとるとしている。米国などの主張を反映したものだ。
Russia still holds key
Adoption of another resolution is considered necessary to take action against Syria based on Chapter 7. So, Russia will continue to hold the key in determining the course of action.
だが、第７章の措置を実行するには新たな決議が必要とみられ、実際には、ロシアの意向が今後も鍵を握ることになろう。
Syria reportedly possesses a chemical weapons arsenal of about 1,000 tons that are stored in various parts of the country. There are fears that inspecting and eliminating these weapons amid the ongoing civil war could face massive difficulties.
シリアにある化学兵器は、約１０００トンと言われ、国内各地に分散して保管されている。内戦下の査察や廃棄の作業には、極めて大きな困難が伴うと懸念される。
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will start inspections this month and decide by mid-November how and where to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.
決議を受けて、化学兵器禁止機関（ＯＰＣＷ）は今月から査察を開始し、１１月中旬までに廃棄の手段や場所を決める予定だ。
To achieve the goal of totally eliminating Syria’s chemical arms in just nine months, the staff, funding and equipment of the OPCW will need to be boosted. Japan should cooperate as much as possible in this respect.
わずか９か月程度で完全廃棄という目標を達成するためには、ＯＰＣＷの要員、資金、装備などを一層増やす必要がある。日本も協力を惜しむべきでない。
The resolution also calls for holding an international conference at an early date to discuss a path to peace with participation of representatives from the Assad administration, antigovernment forces and countries with a stake in the matter. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon reportedly aims to hold this meeting in mid-November.
決議は、アサド政権、反体制派、関係国の代表が和平を協議する国際会議の早期開催も呼びかけた。潘基文国連事務総長は、１１月中旬の開催を目指すとしている。
More than 100,000 people have already died in the Syrian civil war. Victims of the chemical weapons attack accounted for a fraction of this figure. This inhumane tragedy should no longer be allowed to go on. International efforts must be made to reach a ceasefire through the conference and pave the way to end the civil war.
シリア内戦の犠牲者は１０万人を超えた。化学兵器攻撃による死者はその一部に過ぎない。人道上の悲劇をこれ以上看過してはなるまい。国際会議を通じて停戦を実現し、内戦終結に向けた道筋をつける努力が世界に求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2013)
（2013年10月1日01時33分 読売新聞）
UNSC resolution on Syria crisis must have bite to back up bark
シリア化学兵器 安保理決議の実効性を示せ（10月1日付・読売社説）
The resolution on Syria adopted by the U.N. Security Council on Friday marked the first step in the international community’s attempt to work together to end the civil war raging in that country. It is essential that the international community must demonstrate the resolution designed to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will be effective.
国際社会が結束してシリア内戦収拾に取り組む第一歩である。化学兵器の一掃へ決議の実効性を示すことが重要だ。
The resolution bans Syria from producing and moving chemical weapons, and calls for the country to relinquish all such weapons in the first half of 2014.
国連安全保障理事会がシリアに、化学兵器の製造や移動を禁じ、来年前半までにすべての化学兵器を廃棄するよう求める決議を採択した。
Three previous resolutions critical of the administration of President Bashar Assad over the civil war had been submitted to the Security Council at the initiative of the United States, Britain and France. However, none were approved because they were vetoed by Russia, which supports the Assad administration, and China.
シリア内戦を巡って、安保理では、米国や英仏の主導によりアサド政権を非難する決議案が３度提出されたが、政権を支えるロシアや中国の拒否権行使でいずれも阻まれてきた。
This is the first time a resolution obligating Syria to take specific actions has been adopted at the Security Council after being approved by Russia and China. As such, it is extremely significant.
シリア政府に特定の行動を義務付ける安保理決議が、露中も同意して採択されたのは初めてだ。決議の持つ意義は重い。
U.S. President Barack Obama has lacked consistency in carrying out a series of diplomatic moves vis-a-vis Damascus, undercutting the high expectations placed on him to play a leadership role. As things turned out, however, leadership on this matter fell into the hands of Russia, which has been trying to extend the life of the Assad regime.
ただ、一連のシリア外交で、最も指導力を期待されたオバマ米大統領の政策は一貫性を欠いた。結果として、アサド大統領の延命を図るロシアに主導権を取られてしまった。
When the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons came to light in August, Obama announced a plan to launch a punitive military attack against Syria. But with the U.S. Congress appearing increasingly unlikely to back Obama’s plan, he accepted a Russian proposal calling for eliminating Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons, thereby postponing the military strike.
８月に化学兵器攻撃が発覚した際、オバマ氏はシリアに懲罰的な軍事攻撃を行う方針を表明した。にもかかわらず、米議会による攻撃承認のメドが立たぬうちに、化学兵器廃棄を求めるロシアの提案を受け入れ、攻撃を見送った。
The resolution adopted this time calls for carrying out enforcement steps based on Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for economic sanctions and military action, if the Assad administration fails to comply. This reflects the demands of the United States and some other Security Council members.
今回の決議は、アサド政権が違反した場合、経済制裁や軍事行動を定めた国連憲章第７章に基づく強制措置をとるとしている。米国などの主張を反映したものだ。
Russia still holds key
Adoption of another resolution is considered necessary to take action against Syria based on Chapter 7. So, Russia will continue to hold the key in determining the course of action.
だが、第７章の措置を実行するには新たな決議が必要とみられ、実際には、ロシアの意向が今後も鍵を握ることになろう。
Syria reportedly possesses a chemical weapons arsenal of about 1,000 tons that are stored in various parts of the country. There are fears that inspecting and eliminating these weapons amid the ongoing civil war could face massive difficulties.
シリアにある化学兵器は、約１０００トンと言われ、国内各地に分散して保管されている。内戦下の査察や廃棄の作業には、極めて大きな困難が伴うと懸念される。
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will start inspections this month and decide by mid-November how and where to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.
決議を受けて、化学兵器禁止機関（ＯＰＣＷ）は今月から査察を開始し、１１月中旬までに廃棄の手段や場所を決める予定だ。
To achieve the goal of totally eliminating Syria’s chemical arms in just nine months, the staff, funding and equipment of the OPCW will need to be boosted. Japan should cooperate as much as possible in this respect.
わずか９か月程度で完全廃棄という目標を達成するためには、ＯＰＣＷの要員、資金、装備などを一層増やす必要がある。日本も協力を惜しむべきでない。
The resolution also calls for holding an international conference at an early date to discuss a path to peace with participation of representatives from the Assad administration, antigovernment forces and countries with a stake in the matter. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon reportedly aims to hold this meeting in mid-November.
決議は、アサド政権、反体制派、関係国の代表が和平を協議する国際会議の早期開催も呼びかけた。潘基文国連事務総長は、１１月中旬の開催を目指すとしている。
More than 100,000 people have already died in the Syrian civil war. Victims of the chemical weapons attack accounted for a fraction of this figure. This inhumane tragedy should no longer be allowed to go on. International efforts must be made to reach a ceasefire through the conference and pave the way to end the civil war.
シリア内戦の犠牲者は１０万人を超えた。化学兵器攻撃による死者はその一部に過ぎない。人道上の悲劇をこれ以上看過してはなるまい。国際会議を通じて停戦を実現し、内戦終結に向けた道筋をつける努力が世界に求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2013)
（2013年10月1日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun October 1, 2013
JR West has obligation to adopt stringent, thorough safety steps
ＪＲ西事故無罪 惨事忘れず不断の安全対策を（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even though former presidents of West Japan Railway Co. were not held criminally responsible for the fatal accident on the Fukuchiyama Line, the company cannot avoid its social responsibility as an operator of a public transportation system. JR West has to take stringent safety measures.
元社長の刑事責任は問われなくとも、公共輸送機関としての社会的責任は免れない。ＪＲ西日本は、安全対策を徹底せねばならない。
The Kobe District Court has found three former presidents of JR West, including Masataka Ide, not guilty of professional negligence causing death and injury in a train crash on the Fukuchiyama Line in April 2005 that killed 106 passengers.
乗客１０６人が犠牲になった２００５年４月のＪＲ福知山線脱線事故で、神戸地裁は、業務上過失致死傷罪に問われた井手正敬氏らＪＲ西日本の３人の元社長に無罪を言い渡した。
Designated lawyers who served as public prosecutors hinted that they may appeal the ruling to a higher court.
検察官役の指定弁護士は、控訴する意向を示した。
After district public prosecutors decided in 2009 not to indict the three former presidents, a citizen inquest panel voted to indict them the following year.
歴代３社長は、市民により構成される検察審査会の議決で強制起訴された。
The panel indicted them on the grounds that they failed to instruct their subordinates to install an automatic train stop (ATS) system to prevent accidents at the curve where the train derailed.
現場のカーブに自動列車停止装置（ＡＴＳ）を整備する指示を怠ったとの理由からだ。
However, the district court ruled that “it was impossible for any of these senior executives to recognize the danger of the curve, as their subordinates had not provided explanations about it.” The court concluded, “They could not predict the accident in any concrete way.”
しかし、判決は「部下からの説明がなかったため、経営幹部はカーブの危険性を認識できる機会がなかった」と判断し、「３人が事故を具体的に予見することはできなかった」と結論づけた。
As there was no way to predict such an accident, which would be necessary to establish professional negligence resulting in death and injury, there was no other choice but to find them not guilty.
業務上過失致死傷罪の成立要件である予見可能性が認められない以上、無罪しか選択肢はなかったということだろう。
Prediction of crash difficult
In January last year, the not-guilty ruling handed down by the Kobe District Court on Masao Yamazaki, another former president and the only person indicted by the prosecutors over the accident, became final as the prosecution did not appeal.
昨年１月には、検察がこの事故で唯一、起訴した山崎正夫元社長の無罪も確定している。山崎氏は、現場を急カーブに造り替えた当時、安全対策の責任者である鉄道本部長を務めていた。
Yamazaki was head of JR West’s train operations headquarters and in charge of safety measures at the time when the curve in question was made sharper.
山崎氏の立場でも、危険認識がなかったと認定された。
It was found that it was impossible for even Yamazaki, who was in a position of direct responsibility back then, to have predicted the danger of an accident at the curve. It would, therefore, be even more difficult to hold the other three criminally responsible, as they held higher positions than Yamazaki at the time.
さらに上の地位にいた３人に刑事責任を問うのは困難だったと言えよう。
According to the Penal Code, criminal responsibility is applied to individuals, not business corporations. Taking into consideration that even a president, who represents a company, is no exception, a not-guilty ruling is unavoidable.
刑法上、刑事責任の対象は個人であり、企業の責任を問える制度にはなっていない。企業を代表する社長であっても、例外ではないことを考えれば、無罪の結論は、やむを得ない面がある。
Yet, it is only natural for bereaved families of the victims of the accident to have reservations about the justice of the latest court decision.
だが、遺族が割り切れぬ思いを抱くのは無理もない。
After passing judgment, the presiding judge admitted, “It is only reasonable [for relatives of victims] to regard it as absurd that no one was held criminally responsible.”
裁判長も判決後、「誰一人、刑事責任を問われないのはおかしいと思うのは、もっともだ」と述べた。
It is an undeniable fact that the company’s failure to install the ATS system on the curve promptly enough led to the tragic accident. JR West has an obligation to adopt thorough safety measures by learning from the accident.
ＡＴＳ整備の遅れが事故を招いたのは、動かぬ事実だ。事故を教訓に、ＪＲ西日本には、万全の安全対策を講じる責務がある。
The latest acquittals may lead to arguments about whether indictments by citizen inquest panels work. Inquest panel decisions have led to eight criminal cases in courts since such decisions were made legally binding in 2009. But in only one case has a guilty verdict been handed down.
今回の無罪判決は、強制起訴制度のあり方を議論する契機となろう。これまでに８件が強制起訴され、有罪判決は１件だ。
While the system is significant in reflecting views of ordinary people in criminal justice, a number of problems have emerged.
刑事司法に市民の感覚を反映させる意義がある一方で、問題点も浮かび上がってきている。
The burden on designated lawyers to prove a case with limited evidence is heavy. When a defendant is indicted by a citizen inquest panel, an enormous amount of time is needed in preparing for a trial.
限られた証拠で立証を強いられる指定弁護士の負担は重い。強制起訴された被告が、公判対策に膨大な時間を割かれることも無視できない。
We hope the Justice Ministry will examine past cases closely to improve the current system.
法務省が中心になり、これまでの事例を検証し、制度の改善に努めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2013)
（2013年9月30日01時31分 読売新聞）
JR West has obligation to adopt stringent, thorough safety steps
ＪＲ西事故無罪 惨事忘れず不断の安全対策を（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even though former presidents of West Japan Railway Co. were not held criminally responsible for the fatal accident on the Fukuchiyama Line, the company cannot avoid its social responsibility as an operator of a public transportation system. JR West has to take stringent safety measures.
元社長の刑事責任は問われなくとも、公共輸送機関としての社会的責任は免れない。ＪＲ西日本は、安全対策を徹底せねばならない。
The Kobe District Court has found three former presidents of JR West, including Masataka Ide, not guilty of professional negligence causing death and injury in a train crash on the Fukuchiyama Line in April 2005 that killed 106 passengers.
乗客１０６人が犠牲になった２００５年４月のＪＲ福知山線脱線事故で、神戸地裁は、業務上過失致死傷罪に問われた井手正敬氏らＪＲ西日本の３人の元社長に無罪を言い渡した。
Designated lawyers who served as public prosecutors hinted that they may appeal the ruling to a higher court.
検察官役の指定弁護士は、控訴する意向を示した。
After district public prosecutors decided in 2009 not to indict the three former presidents, a citizen inquest panel voted to indict them the following year.
歴代３社長は、市民により構成される検察審査会の議決で強制起訴された。
The panel indicted them on the grounds that they failed to instruct their subordinates to install an automatic train stop (ATS) system to prevent accidents at the curve where the train derailed.
現場のカーブに自動列車停止装置（ＡＴＳ）を整備する指示を怠ったとの理由からだ。
However, the district court ruled that “it was impossible for any of these senior executives to recognize the danger of the curve, as their subordinates had not provided explanations about it.” The court concluded, “They could not predict the accident in any concrete way.”
しかし、判決は「部下からの説明がなかったため、経営幹部はカーブの危険性を認識できる機会がなかった」と判断し、「３人が事故を具体的に予見することはできなかった」と結論づけた。
As there was no way to predict such an accident, which would be necessary to establish professional negligence resulting in death and injury, there was no other choice but to find them not guilty.
業務上過失致死傷罪の成立要件である予見可能性が認められない以上、無罪しか選択肢はなかったということだろう。
Prediction of crash difficult
In January last year, the not-guilty ruling handed down by the Kobe District Court on Masao Yamazaki, another former president and the only person indicted by the prosecutors over the accident, became final as the prosecution did not appeal.
昨年１月には、検察がこの事故で唯一、起訴した山崎正夫元社長の無罪も確定している。山崎氏は、現場を急カーブに造り替えた当時、安全対策の責任者である鉄道本部長を務めていた。
Yamazaki was head of JR West’s train operations headquarters and in charge of safety measures at the time when the curve in question was made sharper.
山崎氏の立場でも、危険認識がなかったと認定された。
It was found that it was impossible for even Yamazaki, who was in a position of direct responsibility back then, to have predicted the danger of an accident at the curve. It would, therefore, be even more difficult to hold the other three criminally responsible, as they held higher positions than Yamazaki at the time.
さらに上の地位にいた３人に刑事責任を問うのは困難だったと言えよう。
According to the Penal Code, criminal responsibility is applied to individuals, not business corporations. Taking into consideration that even a president, who represents a company, is no exception, a not-guilty ruling is unavoidable.
刑法上、刑事責任の対象は個人であり、企業の責任を問える制度にはなっていない。企業を代表する社長であっても、例外ではないことを考えれば、無罪の結論は、やむを得ない面がある。
Yet, it is only natural for bereaved families of the victims of the accident to have reservations about the justice of the latest court decision.
だが、遺族が割り切れぬ思いを抱くのは無理もない。
After passing judgment, the presiding judge admitted, “It is only reasonable [for relatives of victims] to regard it as absurd that no one was held criminally responsible.”
裁判長も判決後、「誰一人、刑事責任を問われないのはおかしいと思うのは、もっともだ」と述べた。
It is an undeniable fact that the company’s failure to install the ATS system on the curve promptly enough led to the tragic accident. JR West has an obligation to adopt thorough safety measures by learning from the accident.
ＡＴＳ整備の遅れが事故を招いたのは、動かぬ事実だ。事故を教訓に、ＪＲ西日本には、万全の安全対策を講じる責務がある。
The latest acquittals may lead to arguments about whether indictments by citizen inquest panels work. Inquest panel decisions have led to eight criminal cases in courts since such decisions were made legally binding in 2009. But in only one case has a guilty verdict been handed down.
今回の無罪判決は、強制起訴制度のあり方を議論する契機となろう。これまでに８件が強制起訴され、有罪判決は１件だ。
While the system is significant in reflecting views of ordinary people in criminal justice, a number of problems have emerged.
刑事司法に市民の感覚を反映させる意義がある一方で、問題点も浮かび上がってきている。
The burden on designated lawyers to prove a case with limited evidence is heavy. When a defendant is indicted by a citizen inquest panel, an enormous amount of time is needed in preparing for a trial.
限られた証拠で立証を強いられる指定弁護士の負担は重い。強制起訴された被告が、公判対策に膨大な時間を割かれることも無視できない。
We hope the Justice Ministry will examine past cases closely to improve the current system.
法務省が中心になり、これまでの事例を検証し、制度の改善に努めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2013)
（2013年9月30日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 30, 2013
Tokyo, Seoul must find ways to move ties forward despite pending problems
日韓外相会談 関係改善への道筋が見えない（9月29日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not had summit talks with South Korean President Park Geun Hye, who took office in February, and there is no plan for such talks in the near future. How can the two countries solve this abnormal situation? The attitudes and capabilities of the Japanese and South Korean leaders as well as of their nations’ foreign ministries are being put to the test.
２月の朴槿恵韓国大統領の就任以来、一度も首脳会談が開かれず、見通しさえ立たない。この異常事態をどう打開するのか。日韓両国首脳と外交当局の姿勢と力量が問われる。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung Se, held a meeting in New York and agreed that their countries will continue dialogue on different levels.
岸田外相と韓国の尹炳世外交相がニューヨークで会談し、今後も「様々なレベルの意思疎通を続ける」ことで一致した。
However, Yun stressed that South Korea expects the Japanese leadership to have the courage to heal the wounds of the past. Kishida responded that the Abe Cabinet has followed the views of past governments on historical issues and urged South Korea to understand this position.
尹外相は「過去の傷を治癒する勇気ある指導力を期待する」と強調した。岸田外相は「安倍内閣は歴史認識に関する歴代内閣の立場を引き継いでいる。しっかり受け止めてほしい」と応じた。
The two could not make any tangible progress toward realization of a bilateral summit meeting, the most important issue. We think the result was truly regrettable.
ただ、肝心の首脳会談の実現に向けた具体的な進展はなかった。残念な結果である。
It is noteworthy that the two countries failed to agree on various other issues.
個別案件でも、両国の主張が平行線をたどる場面が目立った。
For instance, Kishida asked Yun to lift South Korea’s import ban on fishery products from Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas. “Japan will thoroughly deal with water contaminated with radioactive substances at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and continue providing relevant information,” Kishida said. However, Yun only explained the background of the import ban.
韓国による福島県などの水産物輸入禁止について、岸田外相は「（原発の）汚染水対策に万全を期し、情報提供を行う」として禁輸の撤廃を要請した。尹外相は禁輸の経緯を説明するにとどめた。
The Japanese government imposes limits on radioactive substances in food that are stricter than international standards. Though the leakage of contaminated water at the plant has affected sales of South Korean fishery products, the South Korean government’s reaction is excessive and has little scientific basis. We hope it will prudently move toward lifting the import ban.
日本は、国際基準より厳しい放射性物質の規制を食品全般に課している。韓国産水産物の売り上げに影響が出た事情があるにせよ、韓国の措置は、科学的根拠に乏しい過剰反応だ。禁輸撤廃へ、冷静な対応を取ってもらいたい。
Settled by 1965 accord
Recently, a high court in Seoul approved damage claims by South Koreans who had been forced to work for Japanese companies during wartime and ordered the descendant company to pay compensation to the plaintiffs. Kishida told Yun that South Korea should act on the basis of the bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached when the two countries concluded a treaty to normalize relations in 1965. However, the South Korean foreign minister only replied that the trial was still in progress.
韓国の高裁で元徴用工への日本企業の賠償を命じる判決が出たことに関して、岸田外相は、日韓請求権協定に基づく「適切な対応」を求めた。尹外相は「裁判が進行中だ」と語るだけだった。
The 1965 accord stipulates that the issue of damage claims for individual South Koreans was “resolved completely and finally.” If this issue is left unresolved, similar rulings will be repeatedly made, worsening the situation.
韓国人の個人賠償については、１９６５年の国交正常化時の請求権協定が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と定めている。このまま放置すれば、同様の判決が相次ぎ、事態をより悪化させよう。
This problem may cast doubt on South Korea’s status as a nation ruled by law. The South Korean government should take forward-looking action to settle this issue.
法治国家としての信用にも関わる問題だ。韓国政府には、前向きな対応が求められる。
Meanwhile, Yun again urged Japan to solve the issue of the so-called comfort women.
尹外相は、いわゆる元従軍慰安婦問題について、日本が解決に努力するよう改めて促した。
However, this issue, too, has already been settled by the 1965 accord. We do not think the government should easily make concessions on this matter.
だが、この問題も本来、請求権協定で解決済みであり、日本は安易な譲歩をすべきでない。
It is disturbing to see that the momentum and willingness to improve bilateral ties are diminishing within the Japanese and South Korean governments.
気がかりなのは、日韓両政府内で、関係改善への機運や意欲が減退しつつあることだ。
Today, Japan and South Korea have many significant issues to tackle jointly, such as the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, where preparations to restart a graphite-moderated reactor are becoming evident, as well as negotiations on free trade pacts between Japan and South Korea, and among the two countries and China.
黒鉛減速炉の再稼働の動きが顕在化している北朝鮮の核問題や、日韓・日中韓の自由貿易協定交渉など、日韓両国が今、連携して取り組むべき重要課題は多い。
It is important for Tokyo and Seoul to continue dialogue patiently from a broader perspective and try seriously to find common ground, even though the two countries have complicated bilateral problems that cannot be solved immediately.
簡単には解決できない懸案を抱えていても、日韓双方が大局的見地から粘り強く対話を重ね、真剣に接点を探る努力が重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2013)
（2013年9月29日01時47分 読売新聞）
Tokyo, Seoul must find ways to move ties forward despite pending problems
日韓外相会談 関係改善への道筋が見えない（9月29日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not had summit talks with South Korean President Park Geun Hye, who took office in February, and there is no plan for such talks in the near future. How can the two countries solve this abnormal situation? The attitudes and capabilities of the Japanese and South Korean leaders as well as of their nations’ foreign ministries are being put to the test.
２月の朴槿恵韓国大統領の就任以来、一度も首脳会談が開かれず、見通しさえ立たない。この異常事態をどう打開するのか。日韓両国首脳と外交当局の姿勢と力量が問われる。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung Se, held a meeting in New York and agreed that their countries will continue dialogue on different levels.
岸田外相と韓国の尹炳世外交相がニューヨークで会談し、今後も「様々なレベルの意思疎通を続ける」ことで一致した。
However, Yun stressed that South Korea expects the Japanese leadership to have the courage to heal the wounds of the past. Kishida responded that the Abe Cabinet has followed the views of past governments on historical issues and urged South Korea to understand this position.
尹外相は「過去の傷を治癒する勇気ある指導力を期待する」と強調した。岸田外相は「安倍内閣は歴史認識に関する歴代内閣の立場を引き継いでいる。しっかり受け止めてほしい」と応じた。
The two could not make any tangible progress toward realization of a bilateral summit meeting, the most important issue. We think the result was truly regrettable.
ただ、肝心の首脳会談の実現に向けた具体的な進展はなかった。残念な結果である。
It is noteworthy that the two countries failed to agree on various other issues.
個別案件でも、両国の主張が平行線をたどる場面が目立った。
For instance, Kishida asked Yun to lift South Korea’s import ban on fishery products from Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas. “Japan will thoroughly deal with water contaminated with radioactive substances at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and continue providing relevant information,” Kishida said. However, Yun only explained the background of the import ban.
韓国による福島県などの水産物輸入禁止について、岸田外相は「（原発の）汚染水対策に万全を期し、情報提供を行う」として禁輸の撤廃を要請した。尹外相は禁輸の経緯を説明するにとどめた。
The Japanese government imposes limits on radioactive substances in food that are stricter than international standards. Though the leakage of contaminated water at the plant has affected sales of South Korean fishery products, the South Korean government’s reaction is excessive and has little scientific basis. We hope it will prudently move toward lifting the import ban.
日本は、国際基準より厳しい放射性物質の規制を食品全般に課している。韓国産水産物の売り上げに影響が出た事情があるにせよ、韓国の措置は、科学的根拠に乏しい過剰反応だ。禁輸撤廃へ、冷静な対応を取ってもらいたい。
Settled by 1965 accord
Recently, a high court in Seoul approved damage claims by South Koreans who had been forced to work for Japanese companies during wartime and ordered the descendant company to pay compensation to the plaintiffs. Kishida told Yun that South Korea should act on the basis of the bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached when the two countries concluded a treaty to normalize relations in 1965. However, the South Korean foreign minister only replied that the trial was still in progress.
韓国の高裁で元徴用工への日本企業の賠償を命じる判決が出たことに関して、岸田外相は、日韓請求権協定に基づく「適切な対応」を求めた。尹外相は「裁判が進行中だ」と語るだけだった。
The 1965 accord stipulates that the issue of damage claims for individual South Koreans was “resolved completely and finally.” If this issue is left unresolved, similar rulings will be repeatedly made, worsening the situation.
韓国人の個人賠償については、１９６５年の国交正常化時の請求権協定が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と定めている。このまま放置すれば、同様の判決が相次ぎ、事態をより悪化させよう。
This problem may cast doubt on South Korea’s status as a nation ruled by law. The South Korean government should take forward-looking action to settle this issue.
法治国家としての信用にも関わる問題だ。韓国政府には、前向きな対応が求められる。
Meanwhile, Yun again urged Japan to solve the issue of the so-called comfort women.
尹外相は、いわゆる元従軍慰安婦問題について、日本が解決に努力するよう改めて促した。
However, this issue, too, has already been settled by the 1965 accord. We do not think the government should easily make concessions on this matter.
だが、この問題も本来、請求権協定で解決済みであり、日本は安易な譲歩をすべきでない。
It is disturbing to see that the momentum and willingness to improve bilateral ties are diminishing within the Japanese and South Korean governments.
気がかりなのは、日韓両政府内で、関係改善への機運や意欲が減退しつつあることだ。
Today, Japan and South Korea have many significant issues to tackle jointly, such as the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, where preparations to restart a graphite-moderated reactor are becoming evident, as well as negotiations on free trade pacts between Japan and South Korea, and among the two countries and China.
黒鉛減速炉の再稼働の動きが顕在化している北朝鮮の核問題や、日韓・日中韓の自由貿易協定交渉など、日韓両国が今、連携して取り組むべき重要課題は多い。
It is important for Tokyo and Seoul to continue dialogue patiently from a broader perspective and try seriously to find common ground, even though the two countries have complicated bilateral problems that cannot be solved immediately.
簡単には解決できない懸案を抱えていても、日韓双方が大局的見地から粘り強く対話を重ね、真剣に接点を探る努力が重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2013)
（2013年9月29日01時47分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 29, 2013
Abe must make sure to implement economic growth policies effectively
首相スピーチ 「日本は買い」を確かなものに（9月28日付・読売社説）
The determination of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is trying to advertise Japan overseas to give an additional push to his economic rejuvenation policies, has become very clear. What he must do now is demonstrate his ability to implement policy measures to realize his goal.
海外で「日本」を売り込み、経済再生に弾みを付けようとする安倍首相の決意が鮮明になった。問われるのは政策の実行力である。
Abe, who is visiting the United States, delivered a speech at the New York Stock Exchange and explained his Abenomics economic policies. “Buy my Abenomics,” he said during the speech. The three words symbolize the prime minister’s aim.
米国訪問中の安倍首相がニューヨーク証券取引所で講演し、経済政策「アベノミクス」を説明した。「Ｂｕｙ ｍｙ Ａｂｅｎｏｍｉｃｓ（アベノミクスは買いだ）」――。この言葉に、首相の狙いが象徴的に表れている。
Specifically, he emphasized that the government would do its best to create an environment to facilitate investment.
具体的には、投資しやすい環境作りに努める方針を強調した。
As part of his growth strategy, he said he would push through a “bold tax reduction” to promote proactive investment by companies. He also made clear that he would push regulatory reform to realize economic revitalization.
成長戦略の一環として、企業の積極的な投資を促すため、「大胆な減税」に踏み切る意向だ。経済活性化を目的に、規制改革を断行することも表明した。
Corporate tax cuts and deregulation can also be expected to help lure foreign investment to Japan.
法人税減税と規制緩和は、海外からの対日投資を呼び込む効果も期待できよう。
Abe must now demonstrate his leadership in implementing his growth strategy, which is now an “international pledge,” and in reviewing various regulations.
“国際公約”となった成長戦略の実施や規制の見直しで、首相のリーダーシップが求められる。
During the speech at the NYSE, Abe also publicized Japan’s state-of-the-art technologies.
首相は日本の優れた技術のアピールにも努めた。
He emphasized the high levels of safety technology in the nation’s nuclear reactors and said that Japan will “continue to make contributions to the world” with the technology. He also stated that Japan will not abandon its nuclear power generation technology.
原子力発電所に関連する日本の安全技術の高さを強調し、その技術で「世界に貢献していく」と語った。原発技術を「放棄することはない」とも明言した。
He thus clarified his stance of actively utilizing nuclear power plants. For resource-poor Japan, this is an appropriate choice.
原発を活用していく路線を明確にしたもので、資源の乏しい日本にとって、妥当な判断である。
He explained that introduction of a high-speed railway system using Japan’s superconducting magnetic levitation technology could connect New York and Washington “in less than an hour.”
日本の超電導リニア技術による高速鉄道を導入すれば、ニューヨークとワシントンは１時間以内で結ばれると説明した。
Supporting women
Infrastructure exports such as nuclear reactors and railway systems are considered a major pillar of Japan’s growth strategy. Cooperation between the public and private sectors must be reinforced to promote such exports.
原発や鉄道などのインフラ（社会基盤）輸出は、日本の成長戦略の柱と言える。官民連携を強化して取り組まねばならない。
During his speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Abe said Japan would positively contribute to the peace and stability of the international community from the standpoint of a “proactive pacifism” based on the recovery of its economic might.
首相は国連総会の一般討論演説で、経済力の回復を背景に、「積極的平和主義」の立場から、国際社会の平和と安定に積極的に貢献していく考えも示した。
Gaining a greater voice and influence in the international community will likely positively affect the Japanese economy. It is important to generate such a virtuous circle.
国際社会で発言力と影響力を高めることは、日本経済にも良い効果をもたらすだろう。そうした好循環を生み出すことが肝要だ。
It is noteworthy that Abe positioned support of women as one of Japan’s important international contributions and declared Japan would implement official development assistance in excess of $3 billion to that end over the next three years.
注目されるのは、女性への支援を国際貢献の重要課題の一つに位置づけ、３年間で３０億ドル超の拠出を表明したことである。
Abe also said clearly that he would bring about “a society where women shine.”
首相は「女性が輝く社会をつくる」と明言した。
Through ODA, Abe explained, Japan will tackle the promotion of women’s active participation in society, improvement of health and medical care for women, and securing the safety of women in times of conflict.
政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を通じ、世界の女性の社会進出に対する支援や、女性の保健医療の充実、紛争下にある女性の安全確保に取り組むと述べた。
Utilizing the potential of women would also result in economic growth. “Womenomics,” in Abe-speak, should be concretely realized.
女性（ウイメン）の潜在力を活用することは経済成長にもつながる。首相の言う「ウイメノミクス」を具体化させたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 28, 2013)
（2013年9月28日01時30分 読売新聞）
Abe must make sure to implement economic growth policies effectively
首相スピーチ 「日本は買い」を確かなものに（9月28日付・読売社説）
The determination of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is trying to advertise Japan overseas to give an additional push to his economic rejuvenation policies, has become very clear. What he must do now is demonstrate his ability to implement policy measures to realize his goal.
海外で「日本」を売り込み、経済再生に弾みを付けようとする安倍首相の決意が鮮明になった。問われるのは政策の実行力である。
Abe, who is visiting the United States, delivered a speech at the New York Stock Exchange and explained his Abenomics economic policies. “Buy my Abenomics,” he said during the speech. The three words symbolize the prime minister’s aim.
米国訪問中の安倍首相がニューヨーク証券取引所で講演し、経済政策「アベノミクス」を説明した。「Ｂｕｙ ｍｙ Ａｂｅｎｏｍｉｃｓ（アベノミクスは買いだ）」――。この言葉に、首相の狙いが象徴的に表れている。
Specifically, he emphasized that the government would do its best to create an environment to facilitate investment.
具体的には、投資しやすい環境作りに努める方針を強調した。
As part of his growth strategy, he said he would push through a “bold tax reduction” to promote proactive investment by companies. He also made clear that he would push regulatory reform to realize economic revitalization.
成長戦略の一環として、企業の積極的な投資を促すため、「大胆な減税」に踏み切る意向だ。経済活性化を目的に、規制改革を断行することも表明した。
Corporate tax cuts and deregulation can also be expected to help lure foreign investment to Japan.
法人税減税と規制緩和は、海外からの対日投資を呼び込む効果も期待できよう。
Abe must now demonstrate his leadership in implementing his growth strategy, which is now an “international pledge,” and in reviewing various regulations.
“国際公約”となった成長戦略の実施や規制の見直しで、首相のリーダーシップが求められる。
During the speech at the NYSE, Abe also publicized Japan’s state-of-the-art technologies.
首相は日本の優れた技術のアピールにも努めた。
He emphasized the high levels of safety technology in the nation’s nuclear reactors and said that Japan will “continue to make contributions to the world” with the technology. He also stated that Japan will not abandon its nuclear power generation technology.
原子力発電所に関連する日本の安全技術の高さを強調し、その技術で「世界に貢献していく」と語った。原発技術を「放棄することはない」とも明言した。
He thus clarified his stance of actively utilizing nuclear power plants. For resource-poor Japan, this is an appropriate choice.
原発を活用していく路線を明確にしたもので、資源の乏しい日本にとって、妥当な判断である。
He explained that introduction of a high-speed railway system using Japan’s superconducting magnetic levitation technology could connect New York and Washington “in less than an hour.”
日本の超電導リニア技術による高速鉄道を導入すれば、ニューヨークとワシントンは１時間以内で結ばれると説明した。
Supporting women
Infrastructure exports such as nuclear reactors and railway systems are considered a major pillar of Japan’s growth strategy. Cooperation between the public and private sectors must be reinforced to promote such exports.
原発や鉄道などのインフラ（社会基盤）輸出は、日本の成長戦略の柱と言える。官民連携を強化して取り組まねばならない。
During his speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Abe said Japan would positively contribute to the peace and stability of the international community from the standpoint of a “proactive pacifism” based on the recovery of its economic might.
首相は国連総会の一般討論演説で、経済力の回復を背景に、「積極的平和主義」の立場から、国際社会の平和と安定に積極的に貢献していく考えも示した。
Gaining a greater voice and influence in the international community will likely positively affect the Japanese economy. It is important to generate such a virtuous circle.
国際社会で発言力と影響力を高めることは、日本経済にも良い効果をもたらすだろう。そうした好循環を生み出すことが肝要だ。
It is noteworthy that Abe positioned support of women as one of Japan’s important international contributions and declared Japan would implement official development assistance in excess of $3 billion to that end over the next three years.
注目されるのは、女性への支援を国際貢献の重要課題の一つに位置づけ、３年間で３０億ドル超の拠出を表明したことである。
Abe also said clearly that he would bring about “a society where women shine.”
首相は「女性が輝く社会をつくる」と明言した。
Through ODA, Abe explained, Japan will tackle the promotion of women’s active participation in society, improvement of health and medical care for women, and securing the safety of women in times of conflict.
政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を通じ、世界の女性の社会進出に対する支援や、女性の保健医療の充実、紛争下にある女性の安全確保に取り組むと述べた。
Utilizing the potential of women would also result in economic growth. “Womenomics,” in Abe-speak, should be concretely realized.
女性（ウイメン）の潜在力を活用することは経済成長にもつながる。首相の言う「ウイメノミクス」を具体化させたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 28, 2013)
（2013年9月28日01時30分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 28, 2013
Realize right to collective defense in pursuit of ‘proactive pacifism’
集団的自衛権 「積極的平和主義」を追求せよ（9月27日付・読売社説）
This country must make a more proactive contribution to peace and stability in Asia and the world.
アジアや世界の平和と安定へ、日本が従来よりも積極的に貢献する。
A review of the government interpretation of the Constitution concerning the right to collective self-defense is a prerequisite to realizing the new ideal of “proactive pacifism” declared by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
安倍首相が掲げる「積極的平和主義」という新たな理念の具体化には、集団的自衛権に関する政府の憲法解釈の見直しが欠かせない。
Delivering a speech Wednesday in New York on the subject of Japan’s right to collective self-defense, Abe expressed his strong desire to change the Japanese government’s interpretation of the Constitution, in which the government has adopted the view that this country has the right to collective self-defense but is banned from exercising it.
首相がニューヨークで講演し、集団的自衛権について、「行使できない」とする現行の憲法解釈の変更に強い意欲を表明した。
Abe cited two cases in which this constitutional constraint could pose problems. In one scenario, the Self-Defense Forces would not be able to help foreign troops working with the SDF in a U.N. peacekeeping operation even if the foreign troops came under attack. In the other, Japan would not be able to help a U.S. warship operating around Japan if the ship were attacked by an airplane in international waters.
問題となる具体例として、自衛隊による国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）中の他国部隊への「駆け付け警護」と、公海上における米軍艦船の防護の二つに言及した。
The prime minister rightly pointed out in the speech that “threats see no borders” in the world today. Such menaces as ballistic missiles, the spread of weapons of mass destruction and international terrorist activities, as well as cyber-attacks, have undeniably been increasing.
「いまや脅威がボーダーレスとなった」との首相の指摘は適切だ。弾道ミサイルや大量破壊兵器の拡散、国際テロ、サイバー攻撃などの脅威は確実に増している。
In addition to enhancing its own defense capabilities, it is essential for this country to enhance the Japan-U.S. alliance, while also expanding cooperation with other countries concerned.
日本の防衛能力の向上に加え、日米同盟を強化し、米国以外の関係国との連携も拡充する必要がある。
To this end, the task of enabling this country to exercise its right to collective self-defense must urgently be addressed.
それには集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることが急務だ。
In the years immediately after World War II, it was somewhat worthwhile to interpret as strictly as possible the security-related stipulations of the Constitution, restricting the role of the SDF. Today, however, the nation must squarely face up to the reality that rigid interpretation of the supreme law is hobbling efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
戦後間もない時代には、憲法を極力厳格に解釈し、自衛隊の役割を限定することに一定の意味があった。だが、今は、硬直した憲法解釈が日本の安全の足かせとなっている現実を直視すべきだ。
Requirements of the times
Over the period from the war’s end to this day, the security environment surrounding the country and the public’s evaluation of the SDF have changed dramatically. A review of the interpretation of the Constitution is definitely in line with the requirements of the times.
この間、日本の安全保障環境や、国民の自衛隊に対する評価は劇的に変化した。憲法解釈の見直しは時代の要請にほかならない。
In a meeting with reporters later Wednesday, Abe said he was not in favor of a “geographical philosophy of [ruling out action on] the other side of the world.” He also said he weighs “what is closely linked with the people’s life, property and national interests.”
安倍首相は記者団との懇談で、解釈変更に伴う自衛隊の活動に関し、「地理的な概念で『地球の裏側』（は除外する）との考え方はしない」と語った。「国民の生命と財産、国益に密着するか、という観点はある」とも述べた。
His remarks apparently alluded to concerns being expressed by some regarding constitutional interpretation that Abe may want SDF troops to be dispatched to far-flung locales to fight alongside U.S. forces.
解釈変更について「自衛隊が地球の裏側まで行き、米軍と一緒に戦うのか」といった懸念があるのを意識した発言だ。
The intention not to impose geographical constraints on the SDF, while deciding flexibly on SDF activities in accordance with developments in events, is quite reasonable.
自衛隊の活動に地理的制約は設けず、事態の態様に応じて判断すべきだ、との考え方は理にかなっている。
For instance, it is conceivable that SDF troops could be in charge of removing mines in the Persian Gulf to ensure the safety of sea lanes in the Gulf used by Japan. Should an event occur in which Japanese nationals are once again taken hostage in Africa, SDF troops could be sent to their rescue.
例えば、日本の海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全確保のため、自衛隊がペルシャ湾で機雷を除去することが想定される。アフリカで再び邦人が人質になれば、自衛隊を派遣する可能性もあろう。
Obviously, there should be some curbs on SDF activities, but it should be noted that accurately foreseeing the possibility of a grave emergency is a near impossibility. To enable this country to cope effectively with a diverse range of emergencies, endeavors to secure a wide range of legal alternatives are the core of national security.
無論、自衛隊の活動に歯止めは必要だが、どんな重大事態が発生するかを予測するのは困難だ。様々な事態に対処できるように、法律上の選択肢は幅広く確保することが安全保障の要諦である。
As a matter of practical thinking, whether to have SDF troops actually take part in international operations, and what activities they should engage in, should be the subject of a comprehensive judgment by the government in place when a crisis arises, while appropriate limitations on SDF activities should be ensured through such means as requiring approval by the Diet.
実際に自衛隊が参加するか、どんな活動をするかは、時の政府が総合的に判断し、国会の承認を得るなどの方法で歯止めをかけるのが現実的な対応だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 27, 2013)
（2013年9月27日01時03分 読売新聞）
Realize right to collective defense in pursuit of ‘proactive pacifism’
集団的自衛権 「積極的平和主義」を追求せよ（9月27日付・読売社説）
This country must make a more proactive contribution to peace and stability in Asia and the world.
アジアや世界の平和と安定へ、日本が従来よりも積極的に貢献する。
A review of the government interpretation of the Constitution concerning the right to collective self-defense is a prerequisite to realizing the new ideal of “proactive pacifism” declared by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
安倍首相が掲げる「積極的平和主義」という新たな理念の具体化には、集団的自衛権に関する政府の憲法解釈の見直しが欠かせない。
Delivering a speech Wednesday in New York on the subject of Japan’s right to collective self-defense, Abe expressed his strong desire to change the Japanese government’s interpretation of the Constitution, in which the government has adopted the view that this country has the right to collective self-defense but is banned from exercising it.
首相がニューヨークで講演し、集団的自衛権について、「行使できない」とする現行の憲法解釈の変更に強い意欲を表明した。
Abe cited two cases in which this constitutional constraint could pose problems. In one scenario, the Self-Defense Forces would not be able to help foreign troops working with the SDF in a U.N. peacekeeping operation even if the foreign troops came under attack. In the other, Japan would not be able to help a U.S. warship operating around Japan if the ship were attacked by an airplane in international waters.
問題となる具体例として、自衛隊による国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）中の他国部隊への「駆け付け警護」と、公海上における米軍艦船の防護の二つに言及した。
The prime minister rightly pointed out in the speech that “threats see no borders” in the world today. Such menaces as ballistic missiles, the spread of weapons of mass destruction and international terrorist activities, as well as cyber-attacks, have undeniably been increasing.
「いまや脅威がボーダーレスとなった」との首相の指摘は適切だ。弾道ミサイルや大量破壊兵器の拡散、国際テロ、サイバー攻撃などの脅威は確実に増している。
In addition to enhancing its own defense capabilities, it is essential for this country to enhance the Japan-U.S. alliance, while also expanding cooperation with other countries concerned.
日本の防衛能力の向上に加え、日米同盟を強化し、米国以外の関係国との連携も拡充する必要がある。
To this end, the task of enabling this country to exercise its right to collective self-defense must urgently be addressed.
それには集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることが急務だ。
In the years immediately after World War II, it was somewhat worthwhile to interpret as strictly as possible the security-related stipulations of the Constitution, restricting the role of the SDF. Today, however, the nation must squarely face up to the reality that rigid interpretation of the supreme law is hobbling efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
戦後間もない時代には、憲法を極力厳格に解釈し、自衛隊の役割を限定することに一定の意味があった。だが、今は、硬直した憲法解釈が日本の安全の足かせとなっている現実を直視すべきだ。
Requirements of the times
Over the period from the war’s end to this day, the security environment surrounding the country and the public’s evaluation of the SDF have changed dramatically. A review of the interpretation of the Constitution is definitely in line with the requirements of the times.
この間、日本の安全保障環境や、国民の自衛隊に対する評価は劇的に変化した。憲法解釈の見直しは時代の要請にほかならない。
In a meeting with reporters later Wednesday, Abe said he was not in favor of a “geographical philosophy of [ruling out action on] the other side of the world.” He also said he weighs “what is closely linked with the people’s life, property and national interests.”
安倍首相は記者団との懇談で、解釈変更に伴う自衛隊の活動に関し、「地理的な概念で『地球の裏側』（は除外する）との考え方はしない」と語った。「国民の生命と財産、国益に密着するか、という観点はある」とも述べた。
His remarks apparently alluded to concerns being expressed by some regarding constitutional interpretation that Abe may want SDF troops to be dispatched to far-flung locales to fight alongside U.S. forces.
解釈変更について「自衛隊が地球の裏側まで行き、米軍と一緒に戦うのか」といった懸念があるのを意識した発言だ。
The intention not to impose geographical constraints on the SDF, while deciding flexibly on SDF activities in accordance with developments in events, is quite reasonable.
自衛隊の活動に地理的制約は設けず、事態の態様に応じて判断すべきだ、との考え方は理にかなっている。
For instance, it is conceivable that SDF troops could be in charge of removing mines in the Persian Gulf to ensure the safety of sea lanes in the Gulf used by Japan. Should an event occur in which Japanese nationals are once again taken hostage in Africa, SDF troops could be sent to their rescue.
例えば、日本の海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全確保のため、自衛隊がペルシャ湾で機雷を除去することが想定される。アフリカで再び邦人が人質になれば、自衛隊を派遣する可能性もあろう。
Obviously, there should be some curbs on SDF activities, but it should be noted that accurately foreseeing the possibility of a grave emergency is a near impossibility. To enable this country to cope effectively with a diverse range of emergencies, endeavors to secure a wide range of legal alternatives are the core of national security.
無論、自衛隊の活動に歯止めは必要だが、どんな重大事態が発生するかを予測するのは困難だ。様々な事態に対処できるように、法律上の選択肢は幅広く確保することが安全保障の要諦である。
As a matter of practical thinking, whether to have SDF troops actually take part in international operations, and what activities they should engage in, should be the subject of a comprehensive judgment by the government in place when a crisis arises, while appropriate limitations on SDF activities should be ensured through such means as requiring approval by the Diet.
実際に自衛隊が参加するか、どんな活動をするかは、時の政府が総合的に判断し、国会の承認を得るなどの方法で歯止めをかけるのが現実的な対応だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 27, 2013)
（2013年9月27日01時03分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 27, 2013
Introduce reduced tax rate when consumption tax is raised to 8%
軽減税率 消費税８％時に導入を目指せ（9月26日付・読売社説）
If the government would like to soften the public’s feeling of shouldering a burden when it raises the consumption tax rate, it is essential to introduce a reduced tax rate to keep the tax on daily necessities at the current level.
消費増税する際に国民の負担感を和らげるには生活必需品の税率を低く抑える軽減税率の導入が欠かせない。
The government and ruling parties must start taking concrete steps toward introducing the reduced tax rate simultaneously with the increase of the consumption tax rate to 8 percent.
政府・与党は８％への増税と同時期の導入を目指し、具体的な作業に入るべきである。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reportedly decided to increase the consumption tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent in April next year. He is now trying to compile a ¥5 trillion-level economic stimulus package to keep the economy from a possible slowdown after the tax rate is raised.
安倍首相は、来年４月に消費税率を５％から８％に引き上げる方針を固めた。増税後の景気腰折れを防ぐため、５兆円規模の経済対策をまとめようとしている。
Although the economy has started to pick up, the recovery is not full-fledged. The road to overcoming deflation, for instance, is still unclear. It would be best for the government to shelve the tax rate increase to 8 percent. However, we understand that aiming at introducing an economic package is the second-best option.
景気は上向いてきたものの、本格回復にはほど遠い。デフレ脱却への道も不透明である。本来は、８％への引き上げを見送るべきだが、次善の策として経済対策を打ち出す狙いは理解できる。
That said, we think the measures contained in the package currently being studied by the government to curb a possible downturn in personal spending are insufficient.
ただ、増税で消費が落ち込みかねないことに対し、検討されている対策は不十分ではないか。
The consumption tax has a regressive character, meaning the burden it places on low-income earners is relatively heavy. For this reason, the government is now studying a “simplified benefit plan,” under which it will provide ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per head in benefits to low-income households, such as those earning too little to have to pay resident taxes.
消費税には、低所得層の負担が相対的に重くなる逆進性がある。このため政府は、住民税の非課税世帯などを対象に１人当たり１万～１万５０００円を支払う「簡素な給付措置」を検討している。
However, the effects of such a temporary cash provision plan in supporting household finances after the tax hike will be short-lived. It is only reasonable to introduce a reduced tax rate that a wide range of people, including low-income earners, can expect to benefit from.
だが、現金を一時的に支給する方法では、増税後の家計を支える効果は長続きしない。低所得層を含む幅広い消費者に恩恵が期待できる軽減税率の導入が適切だ。
As part of the economic stimulus package, the government and ruling parties are studying an option of moving ahead the abolition of a special corporate tax for reconstruction by one year. The tax was added to the regular corporate tax to provide a revenue source for reconstruction from the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
政府・与党は経済対策で、東日本大震災の復興財源のために上乗せした復興特別法人税の１年前倒しでの廃止を検討中である。
Reduce rate for basics
With the investment tax credit, a main pillar of the stimulus package, the government aims at establishing a virtuous cycle by prompting corporate earnings growth, which could in turn result in a pay hike.
経済対策の柱となる投資減税は企業収益の拡大を促して賃上げにつなげる好循環も狙っている。
Consumers have strongly criticized the measures as preferential treatment of corporations. Also, we are worried that it will take time for the effects of the prop-up measure for companies to reach households.
消費者には「企業優遇だ」といった批判が根強い。企業のてこ入れ策が家計に波及するまで時間がかかることも懸念される。
On the other hand, a reduced tax rate has the advantage of making consumers feel that they are shouldering less of a financial burden in their daily purchases.
これに対し、軽減税率には、負担軽減を日常の買い物で消費者が実感しやすい利点がある。
The government and ruling parties have been pressing their aim to introduce the reduced tax rates when the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent, not when it is raised to 8 percent.
政府・与党は、８％段階ではなく、１０％に引き上げる際に軽減税率の導入を目指すとしてきた。
However, a 3 percentage point rise all at once would have a significant impact on household finances. It is important to introduce the reduced rate when the government raises the tax rate to 8 percent and to keep it at the current 5 percent for selected items.
しかし、３％も一気に増税されると、家計への影響は大きい。８％への引き上げ時から軽減税率を導入し、現在の５％に維持することが肝要だろう。
Items subject to the reduced tax rate should be narrowed down to basic food products that are indispensable for daily life, such as rice and miso bean paste, as well as newspapers, which support democracy and print culture, among other things.
軽減税率の対象は、コメ、みそなど生活に欠かせない食料品や、民主主義と活字文化を支える新聞などに絞り込むべきである。
European countries have adopted reduced tax rates. Many nations set their value-added tax, the counterpart of Japan’s consumption tax, at about 20 percent. As reduced tax rates have already taken root in these countries, people are more likely to accept high tax rates.
軽減税率は欧州各国で導入されている。日本の消費税にあたる付加価値税は２０％前後の国が多い。軽減税率の定着が、国民に高い税率を受け入れやすくしている。
As it is commonly recognized that a tax should not be levied on knowledge, most of these countries made newspapers subject to the reduced tax rate system. Japan must learn from such examples.
「知識に課税せず」という共通認識があり、新聞を軽減対象とする国が大半を占める。日本も先例を参考にしなくてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 26, 2013)
（2013年9月26日02時28分 読売新聞）
Introduce reduced tax rate when consumption tax is raised to 8%
軽減税率 消費税８％時に導入を目指せ（9月26日付・読売社説）
If the government would like to soften the public’s feeling of shouldering a burden when it raises the consumption tax rate, it is essential to introduce a reduced tax rate to keep the tax on daily necessities at the current level.
消費増税する際に国民の負担感を和らげるには生活必需品の税率を低く抑える軽減税率の導入が欠かせない。
The government and ruling parties must start taking concrete steps toward introducing the reduced tax rate simultaneously with the increase of the consumption tax rate to 8 percent.
政府・与党は８％への増税と同時期の導入を目指し、具体的な作業に入るべきである。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reportedly decided to increase the consumption tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent in April next year. He is now trying to compile a ¥5 trillion-level economic stimulus package to keep the economy from a possible slowdown after the tax rate is raised.
安倍首相は、来年４月に消費税率を５％から８％に引き上げる方針を固めた。増税後の景気腰折れを防ぐため、５兆円規模の経済対策をまとめようとしている。
Although the economy has started to pick up, the recovery is not full-fledged. The road to overcoming deflation, for instance, is still unclear. It would be best for the government to shelve the tax rate increase to 8 percent. However, we understand that aiming at introducing an economic package is the second-best option.
景気は上向いてきたものの、本格回復にはほど遠い。デフレ脱却への道も不透明である。本来は、８％への引き上げを見送るべきだが、次善の策として経済対策を打ち出す狙いは理解できる。
That said, we think the measures contained in the package currently being studied by the government to curb a possible downturn in personal spending are insufficient.
ただ、増税で消費が落ち込みかねないことに対し、検討されている対策は不十分ではないか。
The consumption tax has a regressive character, meaning the burden it places on low-income earners is relatively heavy. For this reason, the government is now studying a “simplified benefit plan,” under which it will provide ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per head in benefits to low-income households, such as those earning too little to have to pay resident taxes.
消費税には、低所得層の負担が相対的に重くなる逆進性がある。このため政府は、住民税の非課税世帯などを対象に１人当たり１万～１万５０００円を支払う「簡素な給付措置」を検討している。
However, the effects of such a temporary cash provision plan in supporting household finances after the tax hike will be short-lived. It is only reasonable to introduce a reduced tax rate that a wide range of people, including low-income earners, can expect to benefit from.
だが、現金を一時的に支給する方法では、増税後の家計を支える効果は長続きしない。低所得層を含む幅広い消費者に恩恵が期待できる軽減税率の導入が適切だ。
As part of the economic stimulus package, the government and ruling parties are studying an option of moving ahead the abolition of a special corporate tax for reconstruction by one year. The tax was added to the regular corporate tax to provide a revenue source for reconstruction from the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
政府・与党は経済対策で、東日本大震災の復興財源のために上乗せした復興特別法人税の１年前倒しでの廃止を検討中である。
Reduce rate for basics
With the investment tax credit, a main pillar of the stimulus package, the government aims at establishing a virtuous cycle by prompting corporate earnings growth, which could in turn result in a pay hike.
経済対策の柱となる投資減税は企業収益の拡大を促して賃上げにつなげる好循環も狙っている。
Consumers have strongly criticized the measures as preferential treatment of corporations. Also, we are worried that it will take time for the effects of the prop-up measure for companies to reach households.
消費者には「企業優遇だ」といった批判が根強い。企業のてこ入れ策が家計に波及するまで時間がかかることも懸念される。
On the other hand, a reduced tax rate has the advantage of making consumers feel that they are shouldering less of a financial burden in their daily purchases.
これに対し、軽減税率には、負担軽減を日常の買い物で消費者が実感しやすい利点がある。
The government and ruling parties have been pressing their aim to introduce the reduced tax rates when the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent, not when it is raised to 8 percent.
政府・与党は、８％段階ではなく、１０％に引き上げる際に軽減税率の導入を目指すとしてきた。
However, a 3 percentage point rise all at once would have a significant impact on household finances. It is important to introduce the reduced rate when the government raises the tax rate to 8 percent and to keep it at the current 5 percent for selected items.
しかし、３％も一気に増税されると、家計への影響は大きい。８％への引き上げ時から軽減税率を導入し、現在の５％に維持することが肝要だろう。
Items subject to the reduced tax rate should be narrowed down to basic food products that are indispensable for daily life, such as rice and miso bean paste, as well as newspapers, which support democracy and print culture, among other things.
軽減税率の対象は、コメ、みそなど生活に欠かせない食料品や、民主主義と活字文化を支える新聞などに絞り込むべきである。
European countries have adopted reduced tax rates. Many nations set their value-added tax, the counterpart of Japan’s consumption tax, at about 20 percent. As reduced tax rates have already taken root in these countries, people are more likely to accept high tax rates.
軽減税率は欧州各国で導入されている。日本の消費税にあたる付加価値税は２０％前後の国が多い。軽減税率の定着が、国民に高い税率を受け入れやすくしている。
As it is commonly recognized that a tax should not be levied on knowledge, most of these countries made newspapers subject to the reduced tax rate system. Japan must learn from such examples.
「知識に課税せず」という共通認識があり、新聞を軽減対象とする国が大半を占める。日本も先例を参考にしなくてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 26, 2013)
（2013年9月26日02時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 26, 2013
Chinese court’s ruling on Bo indication of Communist Party’s fears for future
薄被告無期判決 共産党政権の危機感の表れだ（9月25日付・読売社説）
The Chinese court ruling on former senior politician Bo Xilai was politically motivated and placed top priority on stabilizing Chinese Communist Party rule. However, public discontent is simmering and there is uncertainty over the country’s future.
共産党統治の安定を最優先した政治的な判決だったと言えよう。だが、国民の不満はくすぶり、先行きは不透明だ。
The court handed down a life sentence to Bo, a former Politburo member and Chongqing city party leader, who was charged with taking bribes, embezzlement and abuse of power. It is unusual for a former party leader to receive such a severe sentence.
収賄、横領、職権乱用罪に問われた中国重慶市党委員会の元トップ、薄煕来・元政治局員に、無期懲役の判決が言い渡された。党指導経験者への異例の厳刑である。
Although China is supposedly ruled by law despite being a one-party state, rulings on important trials are basically decided by the Chinese Communist Party. China has a two-tiered justice system, but it is highly unlikely Bo’s sentence will be overturned, even if he appeals.
一党独裁体制の中国は、法治主義の建前をとっているものの、重要な裁判の判決は、基本的に党が決定する。２審制だが、薄被告が上訴しても判決は覆るまい。
The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to sentence Bo to life in prison apparently to show ordinary Chinese that it would never forgive corruption, even if senior party officials are involved. It also must have been intended to condemn Bo’s demagogic style, which could cause the party’s rule to disintegrate.
習近平政権が無期懲役判決に踏み切ったのは、党要人であっても腐敗は許さないとの決意を国民に示すためだろう。併せて、党の支配を破綻させかねない薄被告の大衆扇動的な手法を断罪する狙いもあったに違いない。
When he was party chief in Chongqing, Bo placed priority on the ideal of equality, which the party must have originally touted, and implemented policies to correct disparities, such as constructing affordable housing for the poor.
薄被告は重慶在任中、党が本来掲げていたはずの平等の理想を強調し、貧困層向けに安価な住宅を建設するなど格差是正を主眼とする政策を展開した。
Bo aimed to join China’s supreme leadership. He had people sing revolutionary songs from the Mao Zedong era to show how much the people supported him.
人々に毛沢東時代の革命歌を歌わせ、大衆の支持を誇示して、党の最高指導部入りを目指した。
The Xi administration probably feared that Bo’s style could ignite the people’s frustration against the current situation and lead to a flurry of criticism against the party.
政権には、薄被告のやり方が現状への大衆の不満に火を付け、党批判の暴発を誘いかねないとの危機感があったのではないか。
Popularity still high
However, the court only examined the abuse of power charge in connection with Bo’s career as Chongqing party chief. His political style itself was not considered problematic in the ruling.
ただ、重慶時代については職権乱用罪のみが審理され、被告の政治手法そのものが判決で問題視されることはなかった。
Bo still has strong public support, particularly among the poor. The Xi administration must have feared that the ruling, if it referred negatively to Bo’s political style, might have unnecessarily riled the public.
薄被告には、今も貧困層を中心に根強い支持がある。習政権は、判決がその手法に言及すれば、国民をいたずらに刺激しかねないと警戒したのだろう。
The fact that messages posted on the Internet, sympathetic to Bo and opposed to the ruling, were deleted indicates how alert the Chinese authorities were on the matter.
インターネット上で、薄被告に同情して判決に反発する書き込みが削除されたことにも、当局の警戒ぶりがうかがえる。
Bo categorically denied the charges and adopted a confrontational attitude. The life sentence apparently was intended to silence Bo and prevent the emergence of “another Bo Xilai,” who would stir up the people.
薄被告は、起訴事実を全面否認し、対決姿勢を示した。無期刑には、被告の口を封じるとともに、大衆を扇動する「第二の薄煕来」の出現を阻むという意図が込められていると言える。
At around the same time as the trial, the Xi administration launched a corruption probe into senior officials of an oil company linked to former Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang, who was said to support Bo. This is aimed at dealing a blow to people linked to Bo and solidifying Xi’s power base.
習政権は、公判に合わせるように、薄被告の後ろ盾と言われた周永康・前政治局常務委員の人脈に連なる石油業界の幹部らを汚職で摘発している。薄被告とつながる勢力に打撃を加え、権力基盤を固めようとする動きの一つだ。
Xi plans to hammer out economic structural reform measures at the general meeting of the party’s Central Committee scheduled for November.
習氏は、１１月に開かれる党中央委員会総会で、経済構造改革方針を打ち出そうとしている。
Corruption and disparity problems will remain even if Bo is out of the picture. How Xi overcomes public discontent will hold the key to the party’s future.
薄被告を排除しても、腐敗や格差の問題は残る。習氏が国民の不満をどう解消するかが、党の将来を左右することになろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2013)
（2013年9月25日01時43分 読売新聞）
Chinese court’s ruling on Bo indication of Communist Party’s fears for future
薄被告無期判決 共産党政権の危機感の表れだ（9月25日付・読売社説）
The Chinese court ruling on former senior politician Bo Xilai was politically motivated and placed top priority on stabilizing Chinese Communist Party rule. However, public discontent is simmering and there is uncertainty over the country’s future.
共産党統治の安定を最優先した政治的な判決だったと言えよう。だが、国民の不満はくすぶり、先行きは不透明だ。
The court handed down a life sentence to Bo, a former Politburo member and Chongqing city party leader, who was charged with taking bribes, embezzlement and abuse of power. It is unusual for a former party leader to receive such a severe sentence.
収賄、横領、職権乱用罪に問われた中国重慶市党委員会の元トップ、薄煕来・元政治局員に、無期懲役の判決が言い渡された。党指導経験者への異例の厳刑である。
Although China is supposedly ruled by law despite being a one-party state, rulings on important trials are basically decided by the Chinese Communist Party. China has a two-tiered justice system, but it is highly unlikely Bo’s sentence will be overturned, even if he appeals.
一党独裁体制の中国は、法治主義の建前をとっているものの、重要な裁判の判決は、基本的に党が決定する。２審制だが、薄被告が上訴しても判決は覆るまい。
The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to sentence Bo to life in prison apparently to show ordinary Chinese that it would never forgive corruption, even if senior party officials are involved. It also must have been intended to condemn Bo’s demagogic style, which could cause the party’s rule to disintegrate.
習近平政権が無期懲役判決に踏み切ったのは、党要人であっても腐敗は許さないとの決意を国民に示すためだろう。併せて、党の支配を破綻させかねない薄被告の大衆扇動的な手法を断罪する狙いもあったに違いない。
When he was party chief in Chongqing, Bo placed priority on the ideal of equality, which the party must have originally touted, and implemented policies to correct disparities, such as constructing affordable housing for the poor.
薄被告は重慶在任中、党が本来掲げていたはずの平等の理想を強調し、貧困層向けに安価な住宅を建設するなど格差是正を主眼とする政策を展開した。
Bo aimed to join China’s supreme leadership. He had people sing revolutionary songs from the Mao Zedong era to show how much the people supported him.
人々に毛沢東時代の革命歌を歌わせ、大衆の支持を誇示して、党の最高指導部入りを目指した。
The Xi administration probably feared that Bo’s style could ignite the people’s frustration against the current situation and lead to a flurry of criticism against the party.
政権には、薄被告のやり方が現状への大衆の不満に火を付け、党批判の暴発を誘いかねないとの危機感があったのではないか。
Popularity still high
However, the court only examined the abuse of power charge in connection with Bo’s career as Chongqing party chief. His political style itself was not considered problematic in the ruling.
ただ、重慶時代については職権乱用罪のみが審理され、被告の政治手法そのものが判決で問題視されることはなかった。
Bo still has strong public support, particularly among the poor. The Xi administration must have feared that the ruling, if it referred negatively to Bo’s political style, might have unnecessarily riled the public.
薄被告には、今も貧困層を中心に根強い支持がある。習政権は、判決がその手法に言及すれば、国民をいたずらに刺激しかねないと警戒したのだろう。
The fact that messages posted on the Internet, sympathetic to Bo and opposed to the ruling, were deleted indicates how alert the Chinese authorities were on the matter.
インターネット上で、薄被告に同情して判決に反発する書き込みが削除されたことにも、当局の警戒ぶりがうかがえる。
Bo categorically denied the charges and adopted a confrontational attitude. The life sentence apparently was intended to silence Bo and prevent the emergence of “another Bo Xilai,” who would stir up the people.
薄被告は、起訴事実を全面否認し、対決姿勢を示した。無期刑には、被告の口を封じるとともに、大衆を扇動する「第二の薄煕来」の出現を阻むという意図が込められていると言える。
At around the same time as the trial, the Xi administration launched a corruption probe into senior officials of an oil company linked to former Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang, who was said to support Bo. This is aimed at dealing a blow to people linked to Bo and solidifying Xi’s power base.
習政権は、公判に合わせるように、薄被告の後ろ盾と言われた周永康・前政治局常務委員の人脈に連なる石油業界の幹部らを汚職で摘発している。薄被告とつながる勢力に打撃を加え、権力基盤を固めようとする動きの一つだ。
Xi plans to hammer out economic structural reform measures at the general meeting of the party’s Central Committee scheduled for November.
習氏は、１１月に開かれる党中央委員会総会で、経済構造改革方針を打ち出そうとしている。
Corruption and disparity problems will remain even if Bo is out of the picture. How Xi overcomes public discontent will hold the key to the party’s future.
薄被告を排除しても、腐敗や格差の問題は残る。習氏が国民の不満をどう解消するかが、党の将来を左右することになろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2013)
（2013年9月25日01時43分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 25, 2013
Merkel’s stunning election victory reflects hopes for strong economy
メルケル氏続投 強い経済へ期待示す独総選挙（9月24日付・読売社説）
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc, consisting of the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union, scored a stunning victory in the country’s general election Sunday, virtually guaranteeing her a third term.
ドイツの総選挙で、メルケル首相の保守政党、キリスト教民主・社会同盟（ＣＤＵ・ＣＳＵ）が大勝し、首相の３選が確実になった。
If she serves out her third term, she will have been in office for 12 years, surpassing the 11 years served by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to hold that office. Merkel’s tenure would also be the longest ever in Germany.
任期を全うすれば在任１２年に達し、女性宰相の先輩、サッチャー元英首相を抜く。独歴代政権の中でも長期政権となる。
The bloc’s victory can be attributed to the fact that German voters appreciated her achievements in keeping the German economy on a stable road while the leaders of other European countries were replaced one after another due to fiscal and monetary crises. Her continued term of office will be hailed by the international community, which hopes for a stable business recovery.
同盟の勝利は、欧州の財政・金融危機で各国指導者の交代が相次ぐ中、ドイツの堅調な経済を守り抜いたメルケル首相の実績が国民に評価されたためだろう。続投は、安定的な景気回復を望む国際社会からも歓迎されよう。
Merkel has steered her country, the strongest economic power in Europe, by displaying strong leadership.
メルケル氏はこれまで、欧州一の経済大国ドイツを、強い指導力で牽引(けんいん)してきた。
The jobless rate, which once topped 10 percent, has been halved under her administration. Exports set a new record in terms of value last year. Merkel has promoted structural reform and deregulation, the agenda she inherited from the previous administration, and reduced the corporate tax rate. These efforts, it may be said, enhanced the international competitiveness of German companies.
メルケル政権下で、１０％を超えていた失業率は半減した。輸出も昨年、過去最高額を更新した。前政権からの構造改革と規制緩和を推進し、法人税率の引き下げなどに踏み切ったことが、企業の国際競争力を高めたと言える。
Some German voters were deeply unhappy that the country’s financial burden ballooned as a result of its pivotal role in providing financial assistance from the European Union to southern European countries, including financially strapped Greece. However, Merkel’s bloc maintained its top spot during the campaign.
危機に瀕(ひん)したギリシャなど南欧諸国に対し、欧州連合（ＥＵ）が支援を行った際、中心的役割を担ったドイツの負担が膨らんだことに、有権者の一部には強い不満があった。だが、選挙戦で同盟の優位は揺るがなかった。
She made tenacious efforts to win over the public by asserting that aiding other European countries to defend the euro was indispensable for the development of the European economy and would serve the national interest of Germany. She was successful in these efforts.
ユーロを守るため他国を救済することは、欧州経済の発展に不可欠で、ドイツの国益にかなうという首相の粘り強い説得が、国民に浸透してきたのではないか。
Challenges in 3rd term
Ending the financial crisis in Europe remains the primary agenda to be tackled in Merkel’s third term.
３期目も、危機の収拾が最大懸案であることには変わりない。
Some southern European countries have complained that Germany’s demand for excessive fiscal austerity as a condition for financial assistance delayed their business recovery.
南欧諸国からは、ドイツが支援の条件として過度の緊縮財政を強いて、景気回復を遅らせたと反発する声が出ている。
The eurozone’s structural problems, represented by the fact that it has one currency but fiscal management is conducted separately in each country, remain unsettled. More cooperation will be called for between Germany and other major European countries, including France.
「通貨は一つで財政はバラバラ」というユーロ圏の構造的な問題も未解決だ。フランスなど欧州主要国との連携が一層問われる。
Attention is now focused on how negotiations to establish a stable coalition government will turn out.
当面の焦点は、安定的政権を目指す連立交渉の行方だ。
The Free Democratic Party, which was the union bloc’s coalition partner before the election, lost its parliamentary seats, making it impossible by a small margin of seats for the bloc to form a government single-handedly. In view of this, the bloc will negotiate with other parties regarding a possible coalition, centering on a grand coalition plan with the Social Democratic Party, which is the second-largest party after the bloc.
連立を組んでいた自由民主党が議席を失い、過半数議席にわずかに届かない同盟は、第２党の社会民主党（ＳＰＤ）との大連立を軸に多数派工作に乗り出す。
To form a grand coalition with the center-left Social Democrats, who support assistance to southern European nations and fiscal union in the eurozone, it will be necessary to iron out policy differences.
左派のＳＰＤは、南欧支援やユーロ圏の財政統合に同盟より積極的であり、連立には政策のすり合わせが必要になろう。
Of concern to Japan is that Merkel has not visited this nation since 2008, while she has been keen on bolstering economic relations with China.
日本にとって気がかりなのは、メルケル首相が中国との経済関係強化に熱心な一方で、２００８年以来、訪日していないことだ。
In her third term, we hope she will promote an exchange of visits by the prime ministers of the two countries. There must be many subjects to be discussed by the two leaders, including an economic partnership agreement between Japan and the EU and environmental issues.
３期目では、首脳の往来を活発化してほしい。日ＥＵの経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）や環境問題など協議事項は少なくないはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 24, 2013)
（2013年9月24日01時31分 読売新聞）
Merkel’s stunning election victory reflects hopes for strong economy
メルケル氏続投 強い経済へ期待示す独総選挙（9月24日付・読売社説）
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc, consisting of the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union, scored a stunning victory in the country’s general election Sunday, virtually guaranteeing her a third term.
ドイツの総選挙で、メルケル首相の保守政党、キリスト教民主・社会同盟（ＣＤＵ・ＣＳＵ）が大勝し、首相の３選が確実になった。
If she serves out her third term, she will have been in office for 12 years, surpassing the 11 years served by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to hold that office. Merkel’s tenure would also be the longest ever in Germany.
任期を全うすれば在任１２年に達し、女性宰相の先輩、サッチャー元英首相を抜く。独歴代政権の中でも長期政権となる。
The bloc’s victory can be attributed to the fact that German voters appreciated her achievements in keeping the German economy on a stable road while the leaders of other European countries were replaced one after another due to fiscal and monetary crises. Her continued term of office will be hailed by the international community, which hopes for a stable business recovery.
同盟の勝利は、欧州の財政・金融危機で各国指導者の交代が相次ぐ中、ドイツの堅調な経済を守り抜いたメルケル首相の実績が国民に評価されたためだろう。続投は、安定的な景気回復を望む国際社会からも歓迎されよう。
Merkel has steered her country, the strongest economic power in Europe, by displaying strong leadership.
メルケル氏はこれまで、欧州一の経済大国ドイツを、強い指導力で牽引(けんいん)してきた。
The jobless rate, which once topped 10 percent, has been halved under her administration. Exports set a new record in terms of value last year. Merkel has promoted structural reform and deregulation, the agenda she inherited from the previous administration, and reduced the corporate tax rate. These efforts, it may be said, enhanced the international competitiveness of German companies.
メルケル政権下で、１０％を超えていた失業率は半減した。輸出も昨年、過去最高額を更新した。前政権からの構造改革と規制緩和を推進し、法人税率の引き下げなどに踏み切ったことが、企業の国際競争力を高めたと言える。
Some German voters were deeply unhappy that the country’s financial burden ballooned as a result of its pivotal role in providing financial assistance from the European Union to southern European countries, including financially strapped Greece. However, Merkel’s bloc maintained its top spot during the campaign.
危機に瀕(ひん)したギリシャなど南欧諸国に対し、欧州連合（ＥＵ）が支援を行った際、中心的役割を担ったドイツの負担が膨らんだことに、有権者の一部には強い不満があった。だが、選挙戦で同盟の優位は揺るがなかった。
She made tenacious efforts to win over the public by asserting that aiding other European countries to defend the euro was indispensable for the development of the European economy and would serve the national interest of Germany. She was successful in these efforts.
ユーロを守るため他国を救済することは、欧州経済の発展に不可欠で、ドイツの国益にかなうという首相の粘り強い説得が、国民に浸透してきたのではないか。
Challenges in 3rd term
Ending the financial crisis in Europe remains the primary agenda to be tackled in Merkel’s third term.
３期目も、危機の収拾が最大懸案であることには変わりない。
Some southern European countries have complained that Germany’s demand for excessive fiscal austerity as a condition for financial assistance delayed their business recovery.
南欧諸国からは、ドイツが支援の条件として過度の緊縮財政を強いて、景気回復を遅らせたと反発する声が出ている。
The eurozone’s structural problems, represented by the fact that it has one currency but fiscal management is conducted separately in each country, remain unsettled. More cooperation will be called for between Germany and other major European countries, including France.
「通貨は一つで財政はバラバラ」というユーロ圏の構造的な問題も未解決だ。フランスなど欧州主要国との連携が一層問われる。
Attention is now focused on how negotiations to establish a stable coalition government will turn out.
当面の焦点は、安定的政権を目指す連立交渉の行方だ。
The Free Democratic Party, which was the union bloc’s coalition partner before the election, lost its parliamentary seats, making it impossible by a small margin of seats for the bloc to form a government single-handedly. In view of this, the bloc will negotiate with other parties regarding a possible coalition, centering on a grand coalition plan with the Social Democratic Party, which is the second-largest party after the bloc.
連立を組んでいた自由民主党が議席を失い、過半数議席にわずかに届かない同盟は、第２党の社会民主党（ＳＰＤ）との大連立を軸に多数派工作に乗り出す。
To form a grand coalition with the center-left Social Democrats, who support assistance to southern European nations and fiscal union in the eurozone, it will be necessary to iron out policy differences.
左派のＳＰＤは、南欧支援やユーロ圏の財政統合に同盟より積極的であり、連立には政策のすり合わせが必要になろう。
Of concern to Japan is that Merkel has not visited this nation since 2008, while she has been keen on bolstering economic relations with China.
日本にとって気がかりなのは、メルケル首相が中国との経済関係強化に熱心な一方で、２００８年以来、訪日していないことだ。
In her third term, we hope she will promote an exchange of visits by the prime ministers of the two countries. There must be many subjects to be discussed by the two leaders, including an economic partnership agreement between Japan and the EU and environmental issues.
３期目では、首脳の往来を活発化してほしい。日ＥＵの経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）や環境問題など協議事項は少なくないはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 24, 2013)
（2013年9月24日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 24, 2013
New FSA inspection method must help boost lending to growing firms
新金融検査方針 成長重視で新規融資に弾みを（9月23日付・読売社説）
If the Financial Services Agency limits its activities to pressuring commercial banks to dispose of bad loans, there is little possibility new loans will be extended to firms with growth potential.
金融庁が銀行に不良債権処理を厳しく迫るばかりでは、成長分野への新規融資は進まない。
The FSA has therefore found it necessary to revise its method of inspecting financial institutions to keep abreast of the times.
金融検査の手法も、時代の要請によって変えていく必要がある。
The FSA, the government watchdog of banks, brokerages and other financial businesses, recently made major changes in how it inspects and supervises financial institutions.
金融庁が、金融検査・監督方針を大きく転換した。
The focus of the changes lies in amending the conventional approach of examining the financial health of banks with a fine tooth comb to see whether they have nonperforming loans. Instead, it will leave the risk assessment of small-lot loans to small and midsize borrowers to the discretion of the banks.
不良債権がないか、しらみつぶしに調べる手法を改め、中小企業向けなど小口融資の査定を各銀行の判断に委ねるという。
The way the FSA inspected banks at the time of the financial unrest in the wake of the bursting of the bubble economy could be referred to as a “crisis response method” with priority placed on bad loan disposal. In those days, there were a number of cases such as those depicted in TV dramas in which grim-looking inspectors relentlessly took bank executives to task.
バブルが崩壊し、金融不安が高まった時期の検査は、不良債権処理を優先する「危機対応型」だった。こわもての検査官が、銀行幹部を容赦なくやりこめる。そんなテレビドラマのような場面も、実際に少なくなかった。
Even now, many banks, fearing FSA’s inspections, remain reluctant to provide loans to small and midsized companies and business ventures.
今も銀行は金融検査を恐れ、中小企業やベンチャー企業への融資を渋りがちだ。
It is reasonable for the FSA, with a view to improving the current state of affairs which has seen financial services impeded, to shift its inspection method in favor of encouraging growth.
金融が目詰まりを起こした現状を改めようと、検査方針を「成長促進型」に切り替えるのは適切な対応と言える。
The greater latitude for discretionary judgment on the part of banks means that their management responsibility is heavier.
融資判断の自由度が高まれば、銀行自身の責任は重くなる。
If banks turn down loan requests from small and midsize companies from now on, they may not be able to use the excuse of not being able to obtain permission from the FSA.
中小企業への融資を断る際、「金融庁が認めないから」といった言い訳は通らなくなろう。
Banks must sharpen their “discerning eyes” to find small businesses with promising futures and competent managers.
事業の将来性や経営者の資質などを見極め、小さいながらキラリと光る成長企業を発掘する「目利き力」の強化が求められる。
Strengthen regional banks
It is essential for banks to adopt lending policies to sectors with high growth potential to make a major contribution to the Abenomics economic growth strategy led by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
銀行が成長分野への融資を積極的に展開し、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を後押しすることが望まれる。
Regarding inspections of the three megabank groups, including Mitsubishi-UFJ Financial Group, the FSA has decided not to check individual banks on a bank-by-bank basis but to inspect them in a cross-sectional way by setting up expert teams in accordance with key inspection categories such as lending risks and quality of corporate governance.
金融庁は、三菱ＵＦＪフィナンシャル・グループなど３メガバンクへの検査では、融資リスクや企業統治など重要テーマ別に専門チームを設け、複数行を横断的に検査する新手法を導入する。
The new method is aimed at clarifying problems and challenges common to the megabanks to help them improve their management. The megabanks, for their part, should accept suggestions offered through the new inspection method to enhance their international competitiveness.
日本のメガバンクに共通する課題を洗い出し、経営改善につなげるのが狙いだ。メガバンクは検査で受けた指摘を生かし、国際競争力を高めてもらいたい。
There is no doubt that the rigorous inspections the FSA put into place in the past contributed to helping stabilize the nation’s financial system by pressing banks to quickly liquidate bad loans that ballooned as a result of the collapse of the bubble economy.
従来の厳格な金融検査が、バブル崩壊で膨らんだ不良債権の処理を促し、金融システム安定に貢献したことも事実である。
While it is reasonable for the FSA to respect banks’ self-assessment of their assets, the agency must remain vigilant concerning large-lot loans to keep a damper on nonperforming loans.
銀行の自己査定を尊重するにしても、金融庁が主要な融資にはしっかり目を光らせ、巨額の不良債権を見逃さないことが肝要だ。
In this connection, it is noteworthy that the FSA has called on regional banks and similar financial institutions to study the advisability of working out medium- and long-term business strategies over five- or 10-year periods.
金融庁が地銀などに、５～１０年後を見据えた中長期戦略の検討を求めた点も注目される。
As there are too many regional banks—three or four in a single prefecture—there are cases in which some have become financially strapped because of excessive competition.
地銀が同じ都府県に３～４行も乱立し、過当競争で疲弊するケースが目立つ。
The Abe administration places great hopes on the financing functions of regional banks and similar local financial institutions remaining robust to reinvigorate local economies.
安倍政権の目指す地域経済再生には、地銀などの金融機能強化が欠かせない。
Regional banks must waste no time in revising their management strategies, including business realignment through mergers or other means with other banks.
各地銀は他行との再編を含め、経営戦略の練り直しを急ぐべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2013)
（2013年9月23日01時35分 読売新聞）
New FSA inspection method must help boost lending to growing firms
新金融検査方針 成長重視で新規融資に弾みを（9月23日付・読売社説）
If the Financial Services Agency limits its activities to pressuring commercial banks to dispose of bad loans, there is little possibility new loans will be extended to firms with growth potential.
金融庁が銀行に不良債権処理を厳しく迫るばかりでは、成長分野への新規融資は進まない。
The FSA has therefore found it necessary to revise its method of inspecting financial institutions to keep abreast of the times.
金融検査の手法も、時代の要請によって変えていく必要がある。
The FSA, the government watchdog of banks, brokerages and other financial businesses, recently made major changes in how it inspects and supervises financial institutions.
金融庁が、金融検査・監督方針を大きく転換した。
The focus of the changes lies in amending the conventional approach of examining the financial health of banks with a fine tooth comb to see whether they have nonperforming loans. Instead, it will leave the risk assessment of small-lot loans to small and midsize borrowers to the discretion of the banks.
不良債権がないか、しらみつぶしに調べる手法を改め、中小企業向けなど小口融資の査定を各銀行の判断に委ねるという。
The way the FSA inspected banks at the time of the financial unrest in the wake of the bursting of the bubble economy could be referred to as a “crisis response method” with priority placed on bad loan disposal. In those days, there were a number of cases such as those depicted in TV dramas in which grim-looking inspectors relentlessly took bank executives to task.
バブルが崩壊し、金融不安が高まった時期の検査は、不良債権処理を優先する「危機対応型」だった。こわもての検査官が、銀行幹部を容赦なくやりこめる。そんなテレビドラマのような場面も、実際に少なくなかった。
Even now, many banks, fearing FSA’s inspections, remain reluctant to provide loans to small and midsized companies and business ventures.
今も銀行は金融検査を恐れ、中小企業やベンチャー企業への融資を渋りがちだ。
It is reasonable for the FSA, with a view to improving the current state of affairs which has seen financial services impeded, to shift its inspection method in favor of encouraging growth.
金融が目詰まりを起こした現状を改めようと、検査方針を「成長促進型」に切り替えるのは適切な対応と言える。
The greater latitude for discretionary judgment on the part of banks means that their management responsibility is heavier.
融資判断の自由度が高まれば、銀行自身の責任は重くなる。
If banks turn down loan requests from small and midsize companies from now on, they may not be able to use the excuse of not being able to obtain permission from the FSA.
中小企業への融資を断る際、「金融庁が認めないから」といった言い訳は通らなくなろう。
Banks must sharpen their “discerning eyes” to find small businesses with promising futures and competent managers.
事業の将来性や経営者の資質などを見極め、小さいながらキラリと光る成長企業を発掘する「目利き力」の強化が求められる。
Strengthen regional banks
It is essential for banks to adopt lending policies to sectors with high growth potential to make a major contribution to the Abenomics economic growth strategy led by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
銀行が成長分野への融資を積極的に展開し、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を後押しすることが望まれる。
Regarding inspections of the three megabank groups, including Mitsubishi-UFJ Financial Group, the FSA has decided not to check individual banks on a bank-by-bank basis but to inspect them in a cross-sectional way by setting up expert teams in accordance with key inspection categories such as lending risks and quality of corporate governance.
金融庁は、三菱ＵＦＪフィナンシャル・グループなど３メガバンクへの検査では、融資リスクや企業統治など重要テーマ別に専門チームを設け、複数行を横断的に検査する新手法を導入する。
The new method is aimed at clarifying problems and challenges common to the megabanks to help them improve their management. The megabanks, for their part, should accept suggestions offered through the new inspection method to enhance their international competitiveness.
日本のメガバンクに共通する課題を洗い出し、経営改善につなげるのが狙いだ。メガバンクは検査で受けた指摘を生かし、国際競争力を高めてもらいたい。
There is no doubt that the rigorous inspections the FSA put into place in the past contributed to helping stabilize the nation’s financial system by pressing banks to quickly liquidate bad loans that ballooned as a result of the collapse of the bubble economy.
従来の厳格な金融検査が、バブル崩壊で膨らんだ不良債権の処理を促し、金融システム安定に貢献したことも事実である。
While it is reasonable for the FSA to respect banks’ self-assessment of their assets, the agency must remain vigilant concerning large-lot loans to keep a damper on nonperforming loans.
銀行の自己査定を尊重するにしても、金融庁が主要な融資にはしっかり目を光らせ、巨額の不良債権を見逃さないことが肝要だ。
In this connection, it is noteworthy that the FSA has called on regional banks and similar financial institutions to study the advisability of working out medium- and long-term business strategies over five- or 10-year periods.
金融庁が地銀などに、５～１０年後を見据えた中長期戦略の検討を求めた点も注目される。
As there are too many regional banks—three or four in a single prefecture—there are cases in which some have become financially strapped because of excessive competition.
地銀が同じ都府県に３～４行も乱立し、過当競争で疲弊するケースが目立つ。
The Abe administration places great hopes on the financing functions of regional banks and similar local financial institutions remaining robust to reinvigorate local economies.
安倍政権の目指す地域経済再生には、地銀などの金融機能強化が欠かせない。
Regional banks must waste no time in revising their management strategies, including business realignment through mergers or other means with other banks.
各地銀は他行との再編を含め、経営戦略の練り直しを急ぐべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2013)
（2013年9月23日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 23, 2013
U.S. Federal Reserve Board faces long, difficult road to QE3 exit
ＦＲＢ金融緩和 「出口戦略」への難しい舵取り（9月22日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has decided not to scale down its monetary “QE3” quantitative easing policy implemented to deal with the financial crisis.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、金融危機対策として続けてきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の縮小を見送った。
It was a surprise decision for the market as many observers expected the Fed to take the first step of its exit strategy for ending QE3.
ＱＥ３の終了に向け、「出口戦略」の第一歩を踏み出すという観測が多かっただけに、サプライズと言える。
However, the path to the exit is not clear. The markets speculate the Fed would scale down its economic stimulus program in December. The central bank will face some difficult maneuvering from here on.
出口への道は不透明である。市場では早くも「縮小は１２月」との見方が浮上しているが、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られよう。
The Fed held a two-day policy meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee and decided to maintain the central bank’s $85 billion (¥8.4 trillion) monthly purchases of the U.S. government bonds, an unusual way to supply funds to the market.
ＦＲＢは、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）を開き、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・４兆円）買い入れて資金を市場に供給する異例の対策を維持した。
The Fed said it would like to await conclusive evidence on improvement of the economy and employment before deciding to reduce its stimulus.
「景気や雇用情勢の改善を確実に見届けるまで判断を待ちたい」との声明を発表した。
It has apparently chosen the safer option of ensuring lasting economic recovery rather than rushing for the exit. The U.S. economy has been showing signs of recovery since the annualized growth rate of its gross domestic product increased by 2.5 percent in April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
あえて出口へ急がず、景気の持続的な回復を最優先する安全策を選択したのだろう。
米国経済は、４～６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率が前期比年率で２・５％増となり、景気回復基調が鮮明になってきた。
But the employment situation remains a concern. Though the jobless rate dropped to 7.3 percent in August, the number of workers in the nonagricultural sector is still increasing very slowly.
しかし、気掛かりは雇用情勢である。８月の失業率は７・３％に低下したが、非農業部門の就業者数の増加ペースは緩慢だ。
Meanwhile, the central bank is wary of negative effects from the recent hike of long-term borrowing rates. Stymied negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties over the U.S. debt ceiling, which will be exceeded in mid-October, might cast a shadow over economic prospects.
ＦＲＢは最近の長期金利の上昇による悪影響も警戒している。１０月半ばに迫った連邦債務上限を巡る与野党協議の難航は、景気の先行きに影を落としかねない。
Dialogue with market
New York stock prices soared right after the Fed’s decision to maintain the pace of its QE3 as many investors took heart from the development.
ＱＥ３縮小の先送り直後、ニューヨーク株価が急騰したのは、安心感が広がったからだろう。
In light of expectations that the Fed would implement its exit strategy, speculative funds were flowing out of emerging economies but have been returning since the Fed’s decision, and fears of an economic slowdown have been alleviated.
ＦＲＢの出口戦略を先取りする形で投機マネーが流出していた新興国でも、現地通貨が買い戻され景気減速懸念が少し和らいだ。
If the Fed had acted hastily, it would have had a great impact on the global economy and market, including Japan. The Fed’s wise decision to avoid confusion is praiseworthy.
ＦＲＢが拙速に動けば、日本を含めて、世界景気や市場に多大な影響を与える。ひとまず混乱を回避できた点は歓迎したい。
Nevertheless, it cannot continue the large-scale quantitative easing for good because of such negative effects as excessive funds circulating around the globe, causing asset-inflated bubbles.
ただし、ＦＲＢはいつまでも大規模な量的緩和策を続けることはできない。過剰マネーが世界を駆け巡り、資産バブルを引き起こす副作用も懸念される。
The central bank’s stated policy was to start scaling back QE3 by year-end and to terminate it around the middle of next year. Even if it follows this plan, the exit route remains long. The Fed needs to hold dialogues with the market to avoid causing confusion.
ＦＲＢは「年内にＱＥ３縮小を開始し、来年半ばに終了する」との方針を示してきた。その通りに踏み出したとしても、出口までの道は長い。混乱を招かないよう、「市場との対話」が要る。
Now, attention is focused on who will succeed the current Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, whose term expires at the end of January. U.S. President Barack Obama has given up replacing Bernanke with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, who had been considered the front-runner for the job.
来年１月末に任期が切れるバーナンキＦＲＢ議長の後任人事も焦点だ。オバマ大統領は、最有力候補とみられたサマーズ元財務長官の指名断念を発表した。
The field has been narrowed to only a few candidates, including Fed Vice Chairman Janet Yellen, now considered the favorite. We hope Obama will decide as soon as possible on a successor to Bernanke and try to stabilize U.S. financial policy.
イエレンＦＲＢ副議長を軸に最終調整される見通しだが、大統領は早期に後任を指名し、金融政策の安定を目指してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2013)
（2013年9月22日01時13分 読売新聞）
U.S. Federal Reserve Board faces long, difficult road to QE3 exit
ＦＲＢ金融緩和 「出口戦略」への難しい舵取り（9月22日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has decided not to scale down its monetary “QE3” quantitative easing policy implemented to deal with the financial crisis.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、金融危機対策として続けてきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の縮小を見送った。
It was a surprise decision for the market as many observers expected the Fed to take the first step of its exit strategy for ending QE3.
ＱＥ３の終了に向け、「出口戦略」の第一歩を踏み出すという観測が多かっただけに、サプライズと言える。
However, the path to the exit is not clear. The markets speculate the Fed would scale down its economic stimulus program in December. The central bank will face some difficult maneuvering from here on.
出口への道は不透明である。市場では早くも「縮小は１２月」との見方が浮上しているが、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られよう。
The Fed held a two-day policy meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee and decided to maintain the central bank’s $85 billion (¥8.4 trillion) monthly purchases of the U.S. government bonds, an unusual way to supply funds to the market.
ＦＲＢは、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）を開き、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・４兆円）買い入れて資金を市場に供給する異例の対策を維持した。
The Fed said it would like to await conclusive evidence on improvement of the economy and employment before deciding to reduce its stimulus.
「景気や雇用情勢の改善を確実に見届けるまで判断を待ちたい」との声明を発表した。
It has apparently chosen the safer option of ensuring lasting economic recovery rather than rushing for the exit. The U.S. economy has been showing signs of recovery since the annualized growth rate of its gross domestic product increased by 2.5 percent in April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
あえて出口へ急がず、景気の持続的な回復を最優先する安全策を選択したのだろう。
米国経済は、４～６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率が前期比年率で２・５％増となり、景気回復基調が鮮明になってきた。
But the employment situation remains a concern. Though the jobless rate dropped to 7.3 percent in August, the number of workers in the nonagricultural sector is still increasing very slowly.
しかし、気掛かりは雇用情勢である。８月の失業率は７・３％に低下したが、非農業部門の就業者数の増加ペースは緩慢だ。
Meanwhile, the central bank is wary of negative effects from the recent hike of long-term borrowing rates. Stymied negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties over the U.S. debt ceiling, which will be exceeded in mid-October, might cast a shadow over economic prospects.
ＦＲＢは最近の長期金利の上昇による悪影響も警戒している。１０月半ばに迫った連邦債務上限を巡る与野党協議の難航は、景気の先行きに影を落としかねない。
Dialogue with market
New York stock prices soared right after the Fed’s decision to maintain the pace of its QE3 as many investors took heart from the development.
ＱＥ３縮小の先送り直後、ニューヨーク株価が急騰したのは、安心感が広がったからだろう。
In light of expectations that the Fed would implement its exit strategy, speculative funds were flowing out of emerging economies but have been returning since the Fed’s decision, and fears of an economic slowdown have been alleviated.
ＦＲＢの出口戦略を先取りする形で投機マネーが流出していた新興国でも、現地通貨が買い戻され景気減速懸念が少し和らいだ。
If the Fed had acted hastily, it would have had a great impact on the global economy and market, including Japan. The Fed’s wise decision to avoid confusion is praiseworthy.
ＦＲＢが拙速に動けば、日本を含めて、世界景気や市場に多大な影響を与える。ひとまず混乱を回避できた点は歓迎したい。
Nevertheless, it cannot continue the large-scale quantitative easing for good because of such negative effects as excessive funds circulating around the globe, causing asset-inflated bubbles.
ただし、ＦＲＢはいつまでも大規模な量的緩和策を続けることはできない。過剰マネーが世界を駆け巡り、資産バブルを引き起こす副作用も懸念される。
The central bank’s stated policy was to start scaling back QE3 by year-end and to terminate it around the middle of next year. Even if it follows this plan, the exit route remains long. The Fed needs to hold dialogues with the market to avoid causing confusion.
ＦＲＢは「年内にＱＥ３縮小を開始し、来年半ばに終了する」との方針を示してきた。その通りに踏み出したとしても、出口までの道は長い。混乱を招かないよう、「市場との対話」が要る。
Now, attention is focused on who will succeed the current Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, whose term expires at the end of January. U.S. President Barack Obama has given up replacing Bernanke with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, who had been considered the front-runner for the job.
来年１月末に任期が切れるバーナンキＦＲＢ議長の後任人事も焦点だ。オバマ大統領は、最有力候補とみられたサマーズ元財務長官の指名断念を発表した。
The field has been narrowed to only a few candidates, including Fed Vice Chairman Janet Yellen, now considered the favorite. We hope Obama will decide as soon as possible on a successor to Bernanke and try to stabilize U.S. financial policy.
イエレンＦＲＢ副議長を軸に最終調整される見通しだが、大統領は早期に後任を指名し、金融政策の安定を目指してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2013)
（2013年9月22日01時13分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 22, 2013
3 sides urged to discuss ways to achieve virtuous cycle of growth
政労使協議 成長の好循環へ議論深めたい（9月21日付・読売社説）
Pulling the country out of deflation is a goal shared by the government and the labor and business communities. We urge these three sides to deepen discussions and draw up a feasible strategy to establish a virtuous cycle in which wages will rise along with economic growth.
デフレからの脱却は、政府、労働界、経済界に共通する目標である。
政労使は、経済成長とともに賃金が上昇していく「好循環」の実現に向けた論議を深め、実効性のある戦略を練ってもらいたい。
The government proposed launching such three-way talks in its growth strategy unveiled in June, and the three sides held their first meeting on Friday.
政府が６月の成長戦略で設置を打ち出した、「政労使協議」の初会合が開かれた。
The government has taken the rare action of establishing a forum in which it will discuss wages and other labor issues with representatives of workers and employers. This appears to signal that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is determined to lift the Japanese economy from deflation by any means.
政府が労使と、賃金改善などの方策を話し合う異例の措置をとったのは、何としてもデフレ脱却を果たしたいという、安倍首相の強い決意の表れだろう。
During Friday’s meeting, Abe stressed that the government intends to strengthen cooperation with businesses and other sides concerned. “Whether we can establish a virtuous cycle that will boost corporate earnings, increase wages and expand employment is key,” he said.
首相は会合で、「企業収益と賃金、雇用の拡大を伴う好循環につなげられるかが勝負だ」と述べ、経済界などとの連携を強化する考えを強調した。
Meanwhile, Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), called on the government to implement support measures for companies. “If conditions are improved so companies can demonstrate their abilities, both employment and wages will grow,” Yonekura said.
一方、経団連の米倉弘昌会長は「企業が力を発揮できる環境整備が行われれば、雇用も賃金も上がっていく」との見通しを示し、企業への政策支援を求めた。
The nation’s consumption and manufacturing are recovering, apparently backed by the current administration’s Abenomics economic measures. The Abe administration is expected to face a crucial test as to whether it will be able to help companies’ brisk earnings spill over to households and achieve self-sustaining economic growth driven by the private sector.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、消費や生産は回復している。企業の好業績が家計を潤し、民間主導の自律的成長を達成できるかどうか、これからが正念場である。
End vicious cycle
If inflation rises to 2 percent, the target set by the Bank of Japan, and the consumption tax rate is raised in April as planned, households have to bear a heavier financial burden. Unless wages go up, consumption could slump, possibly leading to an economic downturn.
日銀が目標とする消費者物価の２％上昇や、来年４月の消費税率の引き上げが実現すると、家計の負担は増える。賃金も上昇しないと消費が冷え込み、景気が腰折れする恐れがある。
The issue of individual companies’ wage levels is not on the agenda of the three-way talks, but the development of the talks could affect future labor-management wage negotiations.
政労使協議は、個別の賃金水準を議題にしない方針だが、論議の行方によっては、今後の賃金交渉に影響が及びそうだ。
In recent years, many labor unions refrained from seeking a rise in overall pay scales during annual spring labor offensives, as they put higher priority on job security. Thus, the Abe administration’s positive stance on wage hikes could become a strong tailwind for labor unions.
近年の春闘で労働組合の多くが雇用確保を優先し、賃金改善を求めるベースアップ要求を控えてきた。賃上げに前向きな安倍政権の姿勢は、労組には頼もしい追い風となるのではないか。
After seeing an upturn in their earnings, companies tend to raise bonuses but try to leave basic pay scales unchanged as much as possible, because basic wage hikes are likely to result in fixed cost increases.
企業は業績が上向いた場合、ボーナスは増やしても、固定費の上昇につながる基本給をできるだけ据え置く傾向がある。
This can be regarded as a rational management decision for an individual company. However, lower wages could dent consumers’ appetite for spending, eventually reducing sales of products and services. In the past, such sales slumps have spurred price falls and contributed to worsening deflation.
個々の経営判断としては合理的とも言えるが、賃金低迷は消費者の購買意欲を低下させ、企業の売り上げは減る。物価下落に拍車をかけ、デフレ悪化の一因となってきたことは否めない。
Japanese companies are estimated to hold about ¥220 trillion in cash and deposits. The firms’ massive reserves are met with criticism, as they appear to make them reluctant to share profits with workers.
日本企業の保有する現金と預金は約２２０兆円もある。巨額の内部留保の存在は、日本企業が労働者への利益分配に消極的だとする批判の根拠とされている。
The government plans to soon devise its second growth strategy, centering on support measures for companies, such as tax cuts for investments. Public attention will likely be focused on whether employers raise overall wage scales with support from government measures.
政府は近く、投資減税など企業支援策を柱とした成長戦略第２弾を打ち出す。政策による後押しを生かし、ベースアップの動きが広がるかどうか、注目される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2013)
（2013年9月21日02時20分 読売新聞）
3 sides urged to discuss ways to achieve virtuous cycle of growth
政労使協議 成長の好循環へ議論深めたい（9月21日付・読売社説）
Pulling the country out of deflation is a goal shared by the government and the labor and business communities. We urge these three sides to deepen discussions and draw up a feasible strategy to establish a virtuous cycle in which wages will rise along with economic growth.
デフレからの脱却は、政府、労働界、経済界に共通する目標である。
政労使は、経済成長とともに賃金が上昇していく「好循環」の実現に向けた論議を深め、実効性のある戦略を練ってもらいたい。
The government proposed launching such three-way talks in its growth strategy unveiled in June, and the three sides held their first meeting on Friday.
政府が６月の成長戦略で設置を打ち出した、「政労使協議」の初会合が開かれた。
The government has taken the rare action of establishing a forum in which it will discuss wages and other labor issues with representatives of workers and employers. This appears to signal that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is determined to lift the Japanese economy from deflation by any means.
政府が労使と、賃金改善などの方策を話し合う異例の措置をとったのは、何としてもデフレ脱却を果たしたいという、安倍首相の強い決意の表れだろう。
During Friday’s meeting, Abe stressed that the government intends to strengthen cooperation with businesses and other sides concerned. “Whether we can establish a virtuous cycle that will boost corporate earnings, increase wages and expand employment is key,” he said.
首相は会合で、「企業収益と賃金、雇用の拡大を伴う好循環につなげられるかが勝負だ」と述べ、経済界などとの連携を強化する考えを強調した。
Meanwhile, Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), called on the government to implement support measures for companies. “If conditions are improved so companies can demonstrate their abilities, both employment and wages will grow,” Yonekura said.
一方、経団連の米倉弘昌会長は「企業が力を発揮できる環境整備が行われれば、雇用も賃金も上がっていく」との見通しを示し、企業への政策支援を求めた。
The nation’s consumption and manufacturing are recovering, apparently backed by the current administration’s Abenomics economic measures. The Abe administration is expected to face a crucial test as to whether it will be able to help companies’ brisk earnings spill over to households and achieve self-sustaining economic growth driven by the private sector.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、消費や生産は回復している。企業の好業績が家計を潤し、民間主導の自律的成長を達成できるかどうか、これからが正念場である。
End vicious cycle
If inflation rises to 2 percent, the target set by the Bank of Japan, and the consumption tax rate is raised in April as planned, households have to bear a heavier financial burden. Unless wages go up, consumption could slump, possibly leading to an economic downturn.
日銀が目標とする消費者物価の２％上昇や、来年４月の消費税率の引き上げが実現すると、家計の負担は増える。賃金も上昇しないと消費が冷え込み、景気が腰折れする恐れがある。
The issue of individual companies’ wage levels is not on the agenda of the three-way talks, but the development of the talks could affect future labor-management wage negotiations.
政労使協議は、個別の賃金水準を議題にしない方針だが、論議の行方によっては、今後の賃金交渉に影響が及びそうだ。
In recent years, many labor unions refrained from seeking a rise in overall pay scales during annual spring labor offensives, as they put higher priority on job security. Thus, the Abe administration’s positive stance on wage hikes could become a strong tailwind for labor unions.
近年の春闘で労働組合の多くが雇用確保を優先し、賃金改善を求めるベースアップ要求を控えてきた。賃上げに前向きな安倍政権の姿勢は、労組には頼もしい追い風となるのではないか。
After seeing an upturn in their earnings, companies tend to raise bonuses but try to leave basic pay scales unchanged as much as possible, because basic wage hikes are likely to result in fixed cost increases.
企業は業績が上向いた場合、ボーナスは増やしても、固定費の上昇につながる基本給をできるだけ据え置く傾向がある。
This can be regarded as a rational management decision for an individual company. However, lower wages could dent consumers’ appetite for spending, eventually reducing sales of products and services. In the past, such sales slumps have spurred price falls and contributed to worsening deflation.
個々の経営判断としては合理的とも言えるが、賃金低迷は消費者の購買意欲を低下させ、企業の売り上げは減る。物価下落に拍車をかけ、デフレ悪化の一因となってきたことは否めない。
Japanese companies are estimated to hold about ¥220 trillion in cash and deposits. The firms’ massive reserves are met with criticism, as they appear to make them reluctant to share profits with workers.
日本企業の保有する現金と預金は約２２０兆円もある。巨額の内部留保の存在は、日本企業が労働者への利益分配に消極的だとする批判の根拠とされている。
The government plans to soon devise its second growth strategy, centering on support measures for companies, such as tax cuts for investments. Public attention will likely be focused on whether employers raise overall wage scales with support from government measures.
政府は近く、投資減税など企業支援策を柱とした成長戦略第２弾を打ち出す。政策による後押しを生かし、ベースアップの動きが広がるかどうか、注目される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2013)
（2013年9月21日02時20分 読売新聞）
スポンサードリンク
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カイちゃん父親に花束を捧げる
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妻はタイ人、娘ばかり３人も！ 
■近況
２００９年の９月１５日に脳梗塞を発症、右手が少し不自由になりました。
MRAで脳梗塞の部位を特定でき、素早い処置をとれたので大事に至りませんでした。
快復にむけてリハビリ中です。
(2011/01/01更新)
■自己紹介・リンク
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タイのスラチャイです。
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一日僅か１５分の学習でも数年間継続すれば相当な学習効果が期待できます。
[ 名前 ]
松井 清 （スラチャイ）
[ 略歴 ]
・福岡県出身
・国立高知大学卒業
・準大手建設会社に就職
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・現在タイ国コンケン在住
[ 座右の銘 ]
Slow and steady wins the race.
遅くとも着実な者が勝利する
（NHK基礎英語芹沢栄先生）
[ 学習の手引き ]
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・ネイティブ発音付辞書活用
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[ 英字新聞の英和対訳学習 ]
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