Tug-of-war heats up over sales tax / DPJ torn over inclusi.

Tug-of-war heats up over sales tax / DPJ torn over inclusions in outline for reform of social security, tax systems

Yomiuri

A tug-of-war over the consumption tax hike has intensified within the Democratic Party of Japan as executive members of the ruling party aim to compile an outline for the integrated reform of social security and tax systems by the end of the year.

According to sources, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda wants to stipulate the specific timing and rate of the tax increase in the outline, but some DPJ members are attempting to obscure expressions on the matter out of consideration for other party members who are opposed to or cautious about …