官僚会見禁止 政治主導をはき違えてないか

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 18, 2009)
Muzzling bureaucrats might be step too far
官僚会見禁止　政治主導をはき違えてないか（9月18日付・読売社説）

Members of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's Cabinet agreed at an informal meeting Wednesday that regular press conferences by administrative vice ministers and other bureaucrats will be abolished, and that concerned lawmakers such as ministers instead would hold press conferences to express the official views of ministries and agencies. After the meeting, government organizations were notified of this decision.
　鳩山新内閣が、閣僚懇談会で「府省の見解を表明する記者会見は、大臣等の『政』が行い、事務次官等の定例記者会見は行わない」ことを申し合わせ、各府省に通達した。

Official press conferences by ranking ministry and agency officials such as administrative vice ministers and other top bureaucrats are valuable opportunities for the news media to ask questions on technical issues related to each ministry and agency.
　官僚トップの事務次官など、府省幹部の公式記者会見は、担当行政にかかわる専門的なテーマについて、見解をただす貴重な機会になっている。

We have no objection to the Hatoyama Cabinet's drive to transform the nation's politics from its overdependence on bureaucrats to one led by politicians.
　鳩山内閣が「官僚依存」の政治を「政治主導」へと転換させていくことに異論はない。

However, we cannot condone the new administration if it attempts--under the name of "reducing the power of bureaucrats"--to restrict opportunities for the media to ask questions and consequently infringe on the public's right to know. We want the Hatoyama administration to reconsider its decision to muzzle bureaucrats.
　しかし、その名のもと、報道機関の取材の機会を制限し、国民の「知る権利」を奪うのであれば、容認できない。官僚会見の禁止に再考を求めたい。

Banning these media conferences appears to be an attempt by the new Cabinet to show that it will not allow top ministry and agency officials to control policy direction via press conferences.
　新内閣が官僚の記者会見禁止を打ち出したのは、各府省の幹部が会見を通じて、政策を方向付けたりすることは許さない、という意思表示と言えよう。

===

Drawing the line

The agreement among the Cabinet members underlines that lawmakers have responsibility for planning, adjusting and deciding policies, and that bureaucrats should help this process. This relationship between lawmakers and bureaucrats is quite reasonable.
　申し合わせでは、政策の立案・調整・決定は、「政」が責任を持って行い、「官」はこれを補佐すると強調している。この政官関係は、当然のことである。

But banning press conferences by administrative vice ministers and other bureaucrats seems excessive. It also is unclear just who "other bureaucrats" refers to.
　だが、そこで「事務次官等」の会見まで禁止するのは、明らかに行き過ぎだ。「等」がどこまでを指すのかも判然としない。

The Cabinet says ministers will allow bureaucrats to hold press conferences if their expertise is needed or the situation demands. However, the standard for this is so vague that there has already been some confusion at ministries and agencies.
　「専門性その他の状況に応じ」、大臣の判断で官僚会見も行うとしているが、基準があいまいで、各府省で混乱を生じている。

Government entities have to inform the public about many issues. Some of them are urgent matters, such as influenza outbreaks and disasters. It is unrealistic to expect lawmakers to hold every single press conference on such issues.
　各府省には、国民に知らせるべきことが数多くある。インフルエンザや災害の発生状況など緊急を要する問題もある。こうした記者会見を「政」が一手に引き受けるのは、非現実的だろう。

Of course, in an ideal world, ministers, vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries could understand every detail on all policy issues and give a full account of them. But there are question marks over whether this is really possible.
　肝心な政策問題も、大臣、副大臣、政務官らが詳細を掌握し、説明を尽くせればよいが、実際に可能なのかどうか疑問は残る。

===

Unintended consequences

The new Cabinet's disdain for bureaucrats' press conferences has stirred concern that bureaucrats might feel intimidated and become hesitant to disclose information that could be necessary for the public. We are worried that bureaucrats might use the ban as an excuse not to hold press conferences, and try to conceal scandals and other problems.
　今回の通達で懸念されるのは、官僚が萎(い)縮(しゅく)し、国民に必要な情報の開示に消極的になることだ。通達を盾に会見を拒み、不祥事などを隠蔽(いんぺい)する恐れもある。

Administrative bodies are supposed to always be open to the public. The role of the news media is to watch and scrutinize ministries and agencies on behalf of the public.
　そもそも、行政機関は、常に国民からよく見える存在でなければならない。報道機関は、国民に代わって行政機関を監視する役割を担っている。

Restricting press conferences would make the policy-making process less transparent. This would go against the new government's aim of breaking the dominance of bureaucrats.
　記者会見を制限し、政策決定過程の透明性が低下することになれば、新政権の掲げる「官僚支配打破」にも反することになろう。

The agreement by the new ministers says lawmakers and bureaucrats should carry out their responsibilities for the country and its people based on a clear separation of roles. If that is the case, then by the same token, lawmakers and bureaucrats could hold different kinds of press conferences based on their respective roles.
　申し合わせでは、「政」と「官」は、役割分担に基づいて、国家国民のために職務を遂行する、としている。それならば記者会見も、それぞれ役割を分担して実施すればよいはずである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 18, 2009)
（2009年9月18日01時31分 読売新聞）

鳩山内閣発足 進路を誤らず改革を進めよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 17, 2009)
Take the right direction toward change
鳩山内閣発足　進路を誤らず改革を進めよ（9月17日付・読売社説）

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's new administration got up and running Wednesday, though public sentiment seems split between expectation and anxiety over the nation's political future.
Members of the new Cabinet should not allow themselves to feel any exhilaration over the birth of this historic government.
　多くの国民の期待と不安が交錯する中での出発である。
　鳩山新内閣が１６日発足した。歴史的な政権交代だが、その高揚感に浸っている余裕はないはずだ。

Confusion caused by the transfer of power also must be avoided, as the new government will have to tackle such urgent issues as pulling the nation out of the global recession, designing the future of the social security system and developing a new strategic foreign policy. To achieve tangible results, all of these tasks must be conducted at full power.
　世界不況からの脱出、社会保障制度の将来設計、新たな戦略的外交――。新内閣は、政権交代に伴う混乱を避けつつ、待ったなしの課題に総力で取り組み、具体的な成果を上げねばならない。

===

Be flexible over manifesto vows
　◆公約の「自縛」に陥るな◆

The public is expecting the new Cabinet to change the Liberal Democratic Party's style of politics, which had hit an impasse. This desire for change was made clear by the results of the recent House of Representatives election.
　新内閣への期待は、行き詰まりを見せていた自民党政治の転換にある。それが、衆院選で示された民意と言えよう。

However, people also are concerned that excessive changes might lead to problems. The new Cabinet should take a levelheaded approach to continuing the basic policies of its predecessors with regard to the future course of the nation.
　一方で、行き過ぎた変革が混迷をもたらすのではないかと、国民が不安を感じているのも事実だ。歴代政権が積み重ねてきた日本の進路にかかわる基本政策は、継続する冷静な判断が大切だ。

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Japan should not cling too tenaciously to the pledges it made for the lower house election. People who voted the DPJ into power do not necessarily support all of these promises.
　民主党は、衆院選の政権公約に固執してはなるまい。民主党に投票した有権者は、すべての公約に賛成しているわけではない。

There also are some public doubts as to whether financial resources can be secured for many of the DPJ manifesto pledges and whether some of these pledges are really feasible, including a child-allowance system, toll-free expressways and targets for cutting the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. According to opinion polls, more people than not oppose many of these election vows.
　子ども手当、高速道路の無料化、温室効果ガスの排出削減目標など、多くの公約は、財源確保や目標達成が疑問視されている。世論調査でも、反対が賛成を上回る例が少なくない。

The DPJ apparently is keen to avoid criticism for breaking its promises. However, it would be even worse for the DPJ to fall into an election-pledge trap of its own making, which could cause irreversible damage. It is vital for the party to have the courage to reexamine its pledges and revise those in need of improvement.
　民主党とすれば、「公約違反」との批判を避けたいだろうが、自縄自縛に陥り、取り返しのつかない事態になる方がはるかに問題である。公約を吟味し、見直すべきものは見直す勇気が大事だ。

In the new Cabinet, DPJ Acting President Naoto Kan became deputy prime minister and national strategy minister, and former DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada assumed the post of foreign minister.
　新内閣では、民主党の菅直人代表代行が副総理兼国家戦略相に、岡田克也・前幹事長が外相に、それぞれ就任した。

Hirohisa Fujii, the party's top adviser, was appointed finance minister, while former DPJ President Seiji Maehara was named construction and transport minister.
財務相には藤井裕久最高顧問、国土交通相には前原誠司・元代表が起用された。

Hatoyama apparently has taken the power balance of intraparty groups into consideration and placed people who have proven themselves in the past in important posts.
　党内勢力のバランスに配慮しつつ、実績のある人材を要所に配置した。

Though the makeup of the new Cabinet seems solid, it seems to lack a certain freshness.
手堅い布陣と言えるが、清新さに欠ける印象は否めない。

At a press conference held in the evening, Hatoyama underscored his intention to end the practice of excessive government dependence on bureaucrats with regard to policy-making.
　鳩山首相は記者会見で、「脱・官僚依存政治」を強調した。

Key to his success will be the national strategy bureau and the administrative renewal council, to be administered by Kan and Administrative Renewal Minister Yoshito Sengoku, respectively.
そのカギを握るのが、菅国家戦略相と仙谷由人行政刷新相が所管する国家戦略局と行政刷新会議だ。

===

Politician-led politics
　◆政治主導は実現するか◆

The national strategy bureau--for now--will take on the jobs of recompiling the fiscal 2009 supplementary budget and setting out policies for compiling the budget for the next fiscal year.
　国家戦略局は当面、今年度補正予算の組み替えや来年度予算編成方針の策定に取り組む。

Putting the economy firmly on the path to recovery is the top priority of all economic policies, and finding financial sources to fund new initiatives that come with huge price tags is of crucial importance. Hatoyama, therefore, must ensure his new administration juggles these two difficult goals.
　経済政策では、景気を回復軌道に乗せることが最優先課題だ。一方で、新規施策の巨額の財源確保も必要となる。双方に目配りした舵(かじ)取りが求められる。

There are concerns over possible frictions between the national strategy bureau and ministries and agencies, as the extent of the national strategy bureau's authority has yet to be established. Kan should work in close consultation with Fujii on budgetary matters.
　国家戦略局の権限が不明確なため、各府省と摩擦が生じる懸念もある。菅国家戦略相は藤井財務相らと緊密に連携すべきだ。

The administrative renewal council is charged with a "zero-based review" of the work done by ministries, agencies and independent administrative institutions. Powerful political leadership that can weed out resistance by bureaucrats and relevant organizations is indispensable in terms of plunging the scalpel into the vested interests of each government entity and effecting the large-scale transfer of work performed by the central government to local governments and the private sector.
　行政刷新会議は、各府省や独立行政法人などの事務をゼロベースで見直す。各府省の既得権益に深く切り込み、国の事務を地方や民間に大胆に移管するには、官僚や関係団体の抵抗を排する強力な政治力が不可欠だ。

Labor unions that support the DPJ could be a stumbling block to reform. In addition to Sengoku, Hatoyama himself must exercise leadership in this endeavor.
　民主党の支持団体の労組も抵抗勢力となりかねない。仙谷行政刷新相はもとより、鳩山首相自身が指導力を発揮せねばならない。

To enable politicians to assume leadership in policy-making, it is essential to have a robust Cabinet lineup, with key ministers keeping their posts until this Cabinet resigns--a departure from the LDP's practice of constantly reshuffling the cabinet.
　政治主導には、少なくとも重要閣僚は「一内閣一閣僚」というぐらいの布陣が必要だ。自民党政権の年中行事だった内閣改造の慣行を改めることも課題だろう。

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma stepped into the limelight two years ago, when he grilled the government over its sloppy pension-record-keeping. Nagatsuma is now tasked with directing the ministry instead of leveling a barrage of criticism against it. He will be tested on whether he has the ability to make bureaucrats dance to his tune.
　長妻昭厚生労働相は、「消えた年金」問題の追及で脚光を浴びた。今後は、厚労省を批判するのでなく、牽引(けんいん)する責任を担う。官僚を使いこなす手腕が問われる。

Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima was appointed as state minister in charge of consumer affairs and the declining birthrate. Her appointment likely is aimed at reflecting the viewpoint of women and consumers in general with regard to the government's policies. We hope Fukushima will try to implement a well-balanced administration that does not express views that largely differ from the government line in order to make her party's presence felt.
　社民党の福島瑞穂党首は、消費者・少子化相に起用された。女性や生活者の視点を政策に反映する狙いだろう。社民党の存在感を示そうとして突出した主張を展開せず、バランスのとれた行政を心がけてほしい。

Meanwhile, People's New Party leader Shizuka Kamei was named state minister in charge of financial services and postal reform.
While it is necessary to revamp the somewhat flawed Japan Post Holdings Co. led by Yoshifumi Nishikawa and review the privatization of postal services by taking end-users' convenience into consideration, Kamei should not digress from the original purpose of the privatization, and should refrain from any attempt to revive the huge financial institution at the government's initiative.
　国民新党の亀井静香代表は、金融・郵政改革相に就任した。ほころびが目立つ日本郵政の「西川体制」の刷新や、利用者本位の郵政民営化の見直しは必要だ。ただ、民営化の本筋を歪(ゆが)め、巨大官製金融を復活させるべきではない。

Hatoyama should not easily be pushed into agreeing to policies put forward by the DPJ's coalition partners--the SDP and the PNP.
　鳩山首相は、政策面で連立相手の社民、国民新両党に安易に引きずられてはなるまい。

===
Tests lie ahead
　◆日米基軸の堅持を◆

In terms of foreign policy, Hatoyama's first real test will come next week during a visit to the United States.
　外交では、来週の鳩山首相の訪米が最初の試金石となる。

Concerning the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, Hatoyama says the mission will not automatically be extended beyond its mid-January expiration. If this is the case, the prime minister should strive to find another way to continue the mission rather than by "the automatic extension of the expiration."
　インド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動について、首相は「来年１月の期限を単純に延長することはない」という。それなら、「単純な延長」以外の方法で、活動を継続する道を探るべきではないか。

The realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture, also is an important issue. We believe steady implementation of the agreement between Japan and the United States is the fastest way to reduce the burden on local governments in the prefecture.
　普天間飛行場の移設など在日米軍再編は、日米合意を着実に実施することこそが、沖縄など地元自治体の負担軽減の近道である。

With regard to North Korean nuclear issues, Washington recently has shown its readiness to hold direct talks with Pyongyang. In order to get North Korea back around the six-party table and obtain concessions from Pyongyang, the Japanese government needs to steadily implement a U.N. Security Council sanction resolution and continue to put pressure on North Korea.
　北朝鮮の核問題では、米国が最近、北朝鮮との対話に応じる姿勢に転じた。北朝鮮を６か国協議に復帰させ、譲歩を勝ち取るには、国連の制裁決議を着実に履行し、圧力をかけ続ける必要がある。

Hatoyama also should reaffirm Japan's close cooperation with China, South Korea, Russian and the United States and try to pass into law as quickly as possible a bill to permit inspections of cargo carried by North Korean ships and aircraft.
　鳩山首相は、米中韓露との連携を再確認するとともに、北朝鮮に対する貨物検査特別措置法案の早期成立を図るべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 17, 2009)
（2009年9月17日01時14分 読売新聞）

新人議員 「国事」を担う志と責任感を

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 16, 2009)
Hopes, responsibilities of new Diet members
新人議員　「国事」を担う志と責任感を（9月16日付・読売社説）

As a result of the change of government, the House of Representatives chamber will have a completely different look when a special Diet session convenes Wednesday. The seats allocated to the largest party in the lower house, which are located to the speaker's right, will be taken by the Democratic Party of Japan, instead of the Liberal Democratic Party.
　今日召集される特別国会の衆院本会議場の風景は、政権交代によって、がらりと一変する。議長席から見て、右側の第１党の席は、自民党に代わって民主党が陣取る。

Of the DPJ seats, nearly half will be occupied by the 143 members who were elected to the Diet for the first time. The first-time Diet members include former employees of private firms and local assembly members. Some of them previously worked as bureaucrats and as secretaries for Diet members. Among the freshmen, some have absolutely no experience in politics.
　その半分近い広さを１４３人の同党新人議員が占める。
　初当選組には、民間企業や地方議員の出身者もいれば、議員秘書や官僚を務めた者も少なくない。政治経験が全くない人もいる。

How will politics change under the DPJ government and what policies will actually be carried out? Those putting on their Diet members tags for the first time on Wednesday will immediately come under close scrutiny.
　民主党政権下で、政治の何を変え、どんな政策を実行していくのか。初登院して議員バッジをつける今日からさっそく試される。

===

Duties of representatives

"Daigishi," as lower house members are called, means a person who discusses state affairs on behalf of the public. First of all, newly elected lawmakers should once again carefully read the Constitution--the basic law of the land--and the Diet Law, which stipulates the rules of the Diet.
　代議士とは、国民を代表し「国事」を議する人という意味だ。まずは、国の基本法である憲法と国会ルールを定めた国会法を、改めて熟読してもらいたい。

It is also important that they proceed with their work keeping an up-to-date image in their minds of the times and the future direction of the nation as a whole.
　確かな時代認識を持ち、国家全体の行く末を常に視野に入れ、仕事を進めることも大事だ。

Of the 83 so-called Koizumi Kids, who were selected by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and who swept to victory in the 2005 lower house election, only nine were reelected this time as LDP candidates.
　「小泉チルドレン」と呼ばれた８３人のうち、引き続き自民党から出馬して再選されたのは、わずか９人に過ぎない。

The DPJ's first-time Diet members should keep in mind that they, too, could face the same destiny. They should remember that more important than anything else is to work steadily on a daily basis on their duties for the Diet and their local constituencies.
　民主党の新人も、明日はわが身かもしれない。国会や地元での地道な日常活動が何より重要だ。

When former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone attended the Diet for the first time, he wore a black tie, saying that he did so because the country would remain in mourning as long as it was occupied by the United States. It was a start befitting Nakasone, who went on to call for Japan to write its own constitution and, as prime minister, for the issues blighting Japan's postwar political system to be settled once and for all.
　かつて、中曽根元首相は、黒ネクタイで初登院した。「米国占領中は喪中だ」というのがその理由だった。その後一貫して、自主憲法制定を唱え、首相時代には「戦後政治の総決算」を掲げた中曽根氏らしい出発だった。

All the newly elected Diet members will undoubtedly have their own political beliefs and ideals. We hope that they will not forget these aspirations that they have in their minds on their first official day in the Diet.
　議員一人ひとりに、政治信条や理想があるに違いない。初登院の日の「志」を、政治家生活の中で貫いていってほしい。

===

Fall not into temptation

Many Diet member activities are supported by taxpayers' money paid to them in the form of annual allowances and party subsidies. Diet members have privileges and face financial temptations when it comes to dealing with vested interests.
Given these factors, it is important they keep themselves on the straight and narrow, never forgetting the viewpoint of the ordinary man in the street.
　国会議員の活動の多くは、歳費や政党交付金など税金で支えられている。議員特権もあれば、利権絡みの金銭的な誘惑もある。それこそ、「生活者の視点」で身を正していくことが肝要だろう。

Sooner or later, the newly elected Diet members will be stationed as parliamentary secretaries or other posts in government ministries and agencies.
　いずれ、政務官などとして各府省に配置されることになる。

Unlike their seniors, newly elected DPJ members will start their careers as lawmakers in the ruling camp. Therefore, they will be in the position of "directing" officials in government departments rather than "challenging" them.
　民主党新人は、先輩とは違って与党として議員生活をスタートさせる。役所を「追及」するのではなく、「指示」する立場だ。

They will probably find it difficult to work effectively with government officials at first. But they will find it better to try working with bureaucrats, with a willingness to learn from their specialized administrative expertise.
　最初から役人を使いこなすのは難しいだろう。行政の専門知識をもつ官僚から学ぶ気持ちで協働作業をすればいい。

Only trouble will result if they come to represent the clanlike interests of certain industries and prefectures. Instead, becoming well-versed in policy matters will be a powerful tool for getting their points across to bureaucrats.
　業界や各府省の権益を代弁する族議員になっては困る。ただ、政策に精通することは、官僚を説き伏せる武器になる。

Meanwhile, the LDP has only five newly elected Diet members. But this means they will have a great opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks. We hope that as members of an opposition party, they will work with a strong determination to keep a close eye on the administration led by the incoming prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama.
　一方、自民党の新人はわずか５人にとどまる。それだけ、多くの仕事を受け持つ好機でもある。野党議員として、鳩山政権を厳しく追及する気迫が求められる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 16, 2009)
（2009年9月16日01時21分 読売新聞）

リーマン１年 金融再生に教訓を生かせ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 15, 2009)
Apply lessons learned from Lehman Shock
リーマン１年　金融再生に教訓を生かせ（9月15日付・読売社説）

The global financial crisis that originated in the United States, said to be the worst in a century, has been easing, but a full-fledged recovery seems a long way off.
　「１００年に１度」とも言われた米国発の金融危機は、最悪期を脱しつつある。しかし、再生への道のりは、まだ半ばといえよう。

A year has passed since major U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. collapsed on Sept. 15, 2008. The so-called Lehman Shock caused an unprecedented financial crisis that pushed nations across the world into a simultaneous economic downturn.
　米大手証券のリーマン・ブラザーズが昨年９月１５日に経営破綻(はたん)してから１年になる。リーマン・ショックは、未曽有の金融危機の引き金になり、世界を深刻な同時不況に陥れた。

Prior to Lehman Brothers' collapse, the housing bubble had burst in the United States, and the market for higher-risk financial derivatives packed with mortgages had contracted sharply. This happened because monetary authorities failed to take swift action to respond to market volatility.
　米国で住宅バブルが崩壊し、住宅ローンなどを組み込んだハイリスクな金融商品が暴落した。そうした市場の暴走に、金融当局の対応も遅れた結果だ。

A year after the failure of Lehman Brothers, instability in global financial markets has finally been alleviated, and the world financial and economic situation is picking up.
　１年がたち、金融不安はようやく和らぎ、世界の金融・経済情勢は持ち直してきた。

===

U.S. economy remains weak

Japan, China, European nations, the United States and other major countries mobilized every possible policy weapon at their disposal, including large-scale economic pump-priming activities and extraordinary easy-money policies. It is significant that international cooperation brought about good results and prevented the crisis from spiraling out of control.
　日米欧と中国などが、大型の景気対策や、異例の金融緩和策などの政策を総動員した。その国際協調が効果を発揮し、危機の連鎖を食い止めた意義は大きい。

Stock prices in Japan, Europe and the United States, which had tumbled, have recovered to levels about 10 percent lower than those recorded before the Lehman Shock. Stock prices in emerging countries, such as China, are turning up.
　急落した日米欧の株価は現在、リーマン・ショック前の１割減の水準まで回復し、中国など新興国の株価は上昇に転じている。

Economies in major countries are on a recovery track. Among leading countries that have registered negative growth, Japan returned to positive growth during the April-June period. Although Europe and the United States have so far been unable to sail out of the economic doldrums, their economies are expected to bottom out this year. China has maintained an economic growth rate of about 8 percent.
　景気も回復基調だ。マイナス成長に陥った先進国のうち、日本は４～６月期にプラス成長に転じ、景気後退が続く米国と欧州も、年内の底入れが見込まれる。中国は約８％の成長率を維持する。

But the financial crisis is not over. There is little ground for optimism.
　しかし、危機が完全に去ったわけではない。楽観は禁物だ。

In the United States, the jobless rate has risen to about 10 percent. Individual consumption remains low, and the economy remains weak. There are fears that a double-dip recession could occur.
　震源地の米国では、失業率が約１０％に上昇している。個人消費の低迷も続き、景気回復力は弱い。再び景気が悪化する「二番底」も懸念される。

The sluggish U.S. economy could have serious consequences for the rest of the world, including Japan. Given that the global economy has yet to make a full-fledged recovery, it would be premature to begin an exit strategy and scale down economic pump-priming measures.
　米国経済のもたつきは、日本など世界に打撃となる。世界景気が本格的に回復するまで、景気刺激策を元に戻す「出口戦略」に踏み出すことは時期尚早だろう。

===

G-20 meet focus of attention

To avoid a recurrence of the crisis, it is an urgent task to strengthen financial regulation and supervision.
　危機再発を防ぐための金融規制と監督の強化も急務だ。

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama has announced its new reform proposals to tighten controls over the financial sector. But there are moves in the United States to oppose Obama's reform proposals.
　オバマ米大統領は、新たな規制改革案を示した。だが、米国内にはこれに反発する動きがある。

The Group of 20 developed and emerging nations also aims to strengthen regulations by reviewing the capital adequacy ratios of financial institutions and capping executive bonuses, but has had difficulty setting international rules due to conflicts of interest.
　主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）も、金融機関の自己資本比率の見直しや経営陣の報酬制限などの規制の強化を目指すが、利害の対立で国際ルール作りは難航している。

It is feared that movements of speculative money have revived, taking advantage of a delay in efforts by individual countries to strengthen financial regulations. Crude oil and gold prices are soaring. We should stay alert for the rapid expansion of money flowing outside the real economy.
　取り組みの遅れを見透かすように、投機マネーの動きが復活してきたのが気がかりだ。原油、金などの価格が急上昇している。実体経済と遊離したマネーの再膨張を警戒しなければなるまい。

The G-20 financial summit meeting will be held in Pittsburgh on Sept. 24-25. How will the world's financial leaders apply the lessons learned from the Lehman Shock? Their ability to take action to accelerate financial revitalization will be put to the test.
　２４日から米ピッツバーグで、Ｇ２０金融サミットが開かれる。リーマン・ショックの教訓をどう生かすか。金融再生を加速する行動が首脳たちに問われよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 15, 2009)
（2009年9月15日01時09分 読売新聞）

政治主導 官僚を敵視せず使いこなせ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 14, 2009)
Don't vilify bureaucrats--employ their expertise
政治主導　官僚を敵視せず使いこなせ（9月14日付・読売社説）

The Democratic Party of Japan says the transfer of the reins of government offers a good opportunity to take power out of the hands of bureaucrats and put it into lawmakers' hands. But politician-led government should be a means to an end--the formulation and implementation of better policies--not an end in itself.
　民主党は、政権交代は「官僚主導」政治を「政治主導」に転換する好機という。だが、政治主導は、より良い政策の立案と実行のための手段であり、目的ではあるまい。

Keeping this in mind, we hope the DPJ operates the new administration in a way that brings about tangible results.
　民主党は、この点を肝に銘じて新政権を運営し、具体的な成果につなげてもらいたい。

The DPJ has drawn up a framework for a politician-initiated decision-making system under which about 100 of the party's lawmakers will be placed in ministries and agencies, a national strategy bureau under the direct control of the prime minister will be set up as a "control tower," politicians will decide on and coordinate policies through committees comprising cabinet ministers tasked with working in particular policy fields, and the administrative vice ministers' meeting will be abolished.
　国会議員約１００人を政府内に配置する。首相直属の国家戦略局を司令塔とし、少人数の閣僚によるテーマ別の閣僚委員会を活用して、政治家が政策を調整、決定する。事務次官会議は廃止する。
　これが、民主党の描く政治主導の意思決定システムの骨格だ。

Using the opportunity provided by the transfer of administrative power, the DPJ aims to eliminate collusive bidding practices conducted at the initiative of government officials and wasteful spending of taxpayers' money by targeting bureaucrats' vested interests. We have no objection to that. It is important to clarify the roles of politicians and bureaucrats and then create new rules that reflect that distinction.
　政権交代を機に、官僚の既得権益に切り込み、官製談合や税金の無駄遣いを徹底して排除する狙いに、異論はない。政治家と官僚の役割分担を明確にし、新たなルールを作ることも大切だろう。

===

Precedent not sacred

Now is also a good chance to end the custom of following precedent without careful consideration and reexamine past practices. One example of how this could be achieved is the DPJ's pledge to investigate a purported secret Japan-U.S. pact allowing the entry into Japan of U.S. nuclear-armed naval vessels and aircraft, which Foreign Ministry officials are said to have long regarded as untouchable.
　安易な前例踏襲をやめ、再点検する機会でもある。外務官僚がタブーとしてきた、核持ち込みに関する日米の密約問題を調査する民主党の方針は、その一例だ。

The basis of politician-led politics is that lawmakers picked by the public make decisions by themselves on important policies, thereby assuming responsibility for them. As high-priority tasks for the new cabinet will be tackled using a top-down approach, the concept behind the national strategy bureau makes sense.
　国民から選ばれた政治家が重要な政策について自ら判断し、その責任を負う。それが政治主導の本質だ。新内閣の最優先課題をトップダウンで決めるため、国家戦略局を活用する構想は悪くない。

It is true that current cabinet meetings are largely ceremonial. It is, therefore, significant that a small number of concerned ministers will discuss the nitty-gritty of policies at cabinet committees and coordinate them.
　現在の閣議が形骸(けいがい)化しているのは事実だ。少数の関係閣僚が閣僚委員会で、実質的に議論し、政策を調整することは意味がある。

On the other hand, if the DPJ asserts its determination to realize lawmaker-led politics, lawmakers must master policy details and handle the bureaucracy skillfully. Unless they make good use of bureaucrats' expertise, administrative functions will deteriorate.
　一方で、政治主導を掲げる以上、政治家には、政策を十分理解し、官僚を使いこなす能力が求められる。官僚の専門性を活用しなければ、行政機能は低下する。

In recent years, the number of people applying to become central government officials has been declining. One reasons for this is said to be increasing criticism of public servants due to repeated revelations of bureaucratic misconduct. If the government cannot secure talented human resources, administrative work will be impeded, which will have an adverse effect on the people. It will also end up harming the nation's international competitiveness.
　近年、国家公務員志望者の減少が続いた。不祥事続発に伴う官僚批判の高まりが一因という。政府に優秀な人材が集まらなければ、行政が停滞し、困るのは国民だ。将来の国際競争にも影響する。

===

Relationship of trust crucial

In Britain, whose system of government the DPJ looks to as a model, there is criticism that there are too many ruling party lawmakers in the government, which is said to hamper administration.
　民主党が「お手本」とする英国でも、政府内の与党議員が多すぎて行政に支障を来している、との批判があるとされる。

The DPJ should not resort to bureaucrat-bashing to win the public's support as it did when it was an opposition party. It should refrain from opposing government personnel nominees requiring approval from both chambers of the Diet on the ground that they are former bureaucrats. Instead, it should make personnel appointments based on ability.
　民主党は、野党時代のように、人気取りのために官僚たたきに走るべきではない。官僚ＯＢであることだけを理由に国会同意人事に反対するといった対応は慎み、能力本位の人事を行うべきだ。

So politicians can make correct decisions, it is indispensable that they have a relationship of trust with bureaucrats, who provide fresh information and ideas. Rather than taking a hostile view of bureaucrats, it is important for lawmakers to make maximum use of their expertise.
　政治家が誤りなき判断をするには、生きた情報とアイデアを提供する官僚との信頼関係が欠かせない。官僚を敵視せず、その能力を最大限引き出すことが重要だ。

Bureaucrats, for their part, should not forget their primary responsibility is to stay politically neutral and serve the people.
　官僚も、政治的中立性を保ち、国民に奉仕する、という原点を忘れてはなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 14, 2009)
（2009年9月14日01時19分 読売新聞）

日航再建 外資導入で活路は開けるか

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 13, 2009)
Will foreign capital put JAL on road to recovery?
日航再建　外資導入で活路は開けるか（9月13日付・読売社説）

Japan Airlines, which is undergoing a restructuring program, has entered capital and business tie-up negotiations with major U.S. and European airlines.
　経営再建中の日本航空が、米欧の大手航空会社２社と資本・業務提携交渉に入った。

JAL is considering receiving capital investments from the United States' Delta Air Lines--the world's largest airline--and Air France-KLM--Europe's largest airline--as well as code-sharing on international routes.
　世界最大の航空会社である米デルタ航空と、欧州最大手のエールフランス―ＫＬＭから出資を受け、国際線の共同運航でも協力する方向だ。

If JAL reaches such deals, it would be the first time for the nation's flagship carrier to receive assistance from foreign airlines.
　交渉がまとまれば、日本を代表する航空会社が初めて外国の航空会社の支援を仰ぐことになる。

The net loss for JAL's group in the April-June period this year reached 99 billion yen. Its performance has deteriorated because of a decline in passenger numbers stemming from the downturn in the economy since last autumn and the spread of the new strain of influenza.
　日航は、昨年秋以降の景気低迷や新型インフルエンザ流行に伴う旅客減で業績が悪化し、今年４～６月期の最終赤字は９９０億円になった。

The group's net loss for the current fiscal year is expected to total 63 billion yen.
２０１０年３月期も６３０億円の赤字となる見通しだ。

In June, JAL managed to cover its capital shortfall through the receipt of 100 billion yen in bank loans, including a loan from the Development Bank of Japan. It was told, however, that it must undergo drastic restructuring if it were to become eligible for additional financing.
　６月には日本政策投資銀行など主要取引銀行から１０００億円の融資を受け、資金不足を解消したが、追加融資は大胆なリストラが条件とされた。

===

Tie-ups to boost financial base

JAL, which is restructuring under the supervision of the Construction and Transport Ministry, has been instructed to present an outline of its new management improvement plan by the end of this month. The envisaged capital and business tie-ups with the two foreign carriers form a major component of this plan.
　日航は、国土交通省の監視下で９月末までに新たな再建策の提示を迫られている。２社との提携は、その柱として浮上した。

By accepting foreign investment, JAL will be able to strengthen its financial footing and find it easier to secure additional loans.
　外資を受け入れることで、財務基盤を強化し、追加融資を引き出しやすくする。

JAL also will attempt to make flying more convenient for passengers by joining arms and code-sharing with Delta and Air France-KLM, which have route networks in the United States and Europe, respectively.
　同時に、米欧に路線網を持つ２社と共同運航で手を組み、利用者の利便の向上を図る。

The Japanese airline also aims to slash costs by cutting unprofitable routes.
自前の不採算路線も廃止し、コストを削減する狙いがある。

JAL probably determined a foreign capital tie-up would be an opportunity to help it shake off its dependence on the government--an attribute particular to the airline.
　外資と提携することにより、日航特有の「親方日の丸」の体質を改める契機としたい、との判断もあろう。

The Civil Aeronautics Law, however, restricts the ratio of investment by foreign companies in JAL to less than one-third. Because the amount the two foreign carriers would invest is unknown, it is unclear how much such deals would help shore up JAL's balance sheet.
　だが、航空法の規定で、外資は日航に３分の１未満しか出資できない。２社の出資額も不明で、財務基盤の強化にどこまでつながるかの見通しも立っていない。

JAL also appears to be seeking tie-up partners other than Delta and Air France-KLM. It is predicted that the negotiation process for such alliances could run into difficulties.
　２社以外の提携相手を模索する動きもある。提携交渉の行方には曲折も予想される。

Cooperation from financial institutions is indispensable and JAL has to carry out further restructuring to receive such financial backing.
　取引先金融機関の協力も欠かせない。そのためには、日航の一層のリストラが求められる。

Starting in October, JAL plans to either abolish or reduce the number of flights on 16 domestic and international routes. It also will merge its unprofitable air cargo unit with NYK Line's unit. However, the effect of both measures in boosting profitability will be limited.
　日航は１０月以降、国内外の１６路線を廃止・減便し、不採算の航空貨物事業を日本郵船と統合する方針を打ち出したが、いずれも収益改善効果は限られている。

===

Uncertainty over pensions

The biggest issue now is uncertainty whether JAL will reduce the level of its corporate pension benefits.
　最大の課題は、企業年金給付の引き下げが不透明になっていることだ。

JAL would not be able to make an estimated cost reduction of 88 billion yen without slashing benefits. JAL should speed up its efforts to win over beneficiaries who oppose such cuts in their pensions.
実現しなければ８８０億円を見込むコストの削減が不可能になる。反対するＯＢらの説得を急ぐべきだ。

A proportion of loans extended to JAL is guaranteed by the government, and so if the airline fails with its restructuring program, it is taxpayers that will foot the bill.
　日航への融資の一部は国が返済を保証しており、再建に失敗すればそのツケは国民に回る。

The new Democratic Party of Japan-led administration, which is set to be inaugurated this week, has yet to clarify its stance on this issue. It must, however, tackle the reconstruction of JAL from the standpoint of protecting national interests.
今週発足する民主党新政権は、この問題への対応を明確にしていないが、国益を守る観点から日航再建に取り組む必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 13, 2009)
（2009年9月13日01時07分 読売新聞）

「Ｈ２Ｂ」１号機 打ち上げ成功で夢が膨らむ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 12, 2009)
Dreams soar with debut of H-2B rocket
「Ｈ２Ｂ」１号機　打ち上げ成功で夢が膨らむ（9月12日付・読売社説）

The launch of the newly developed H-2B No. 1 rocket went so well that we can now dare to dream that people could one day travel into space aboard the vehicle.
　人が乗って宇宙に行けそう――。そう思えるほど順調な飛(ひ)翔(しょう)だった。

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on Friday successfully launched the domestically developed large rocket. Atop the rocket was an unmanned H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV) carrying supplies for the International Space Station; it was put into orbit successfully.
　宇宙航空研究開発機構が、国産の新鋭大型ロケット「Ｈ２Ｂ」１号機の打ち上げに成功した。
　国際宇宙ステーションへと向かう無人輸送機「ＨＴＶ」も、予定通り軌道に投入できた。

The HTV is expected to arrive at the ISS in a week after having its orbit gradually adjusted by remote operation from Earth. However, it is too soon to celebrate just yet, as many tricky and delicate tasks must be completed before the vehicle successfully docks at the ISS and unloads its cargo.
　今後、地上からの遠隔操作で徐々に軌道を修正し、１週間かけてステーションに到着する。無事に荷物を届けられるか。山場はいくつもある。気は抜けない。

The H-2B is the largest domestically developed rocket, standing 56 meters tall and weighing 530 tons.
　Ｈ２Ｂは、全長５６メートル、重さ５３０トンと、これまでの国産ロケットの中で最も大きい。

Jointly developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the rocket is powered by two first-stage engines of the preceding H-2A model to provide more thrust than that model.
　宇宙機構と三菱重工業が共同開発した。大きな特長は、現在の主力ロケットＨ２Ａの第１段エンジンを２基束ねて使い、打ち上げ能力を増やしたことだ。

Tapping existing technology helped keep a lid on the development costs of the H-2B--its 42 billion yen price tag is less than half that of the H-2A. Development went smoothly without major trouble.
　既存の技術を生かしたため、開発費は約４２０億円と、Ｈ２Ａの半分以下で収まった。大きなトラブルもなく、順調に進んだ。

===

Solid track record

Friday's launch marked the nation's 10th straight success for large-size rockets, including H-2A rockets. This achievement proves that accumulating experience is crucial for such missions.
　大型ロケットの打ち上げ成功もＨ２Ａを含めて、今回で連続１０回を数える。
　経験を重ねることの重要性を物語る成果と言える。

A H-2B rocket will blast off for the ISS once a year as long as the space station remains in operation. H-2A rockets also will be used to launch satellites and space probe vehicles. This will go a long way to helping the nation achieve its long-cherished dream of receiving orders to launch commercial satellites of other nations.
　Ｈ２Ｂは今後も、ステーション運用期間中は毎年１回の打ち上げが続く。Ｈ２Ａも、衛星や探査機の打ち上げに使われる。世界の商用衛星の打ち上げ受注も、長年の悲願となっている。

Going through data obtained in the latest launch with a fine-tooth comb will improve the credibility of Japanese rockets in the eyes of overseas observers.
　今回の打ち上げデータも十分に精査して、さらにロケットの信頼性を向上させるべきだ。

Expectations for Japan's transfer vehicles also are growing.
　輸送機への期待も高まる。

The HTV--10 meters long and 4.4 meters in diameter--is large enough to hold a bus inside. It weighs 16.5 tons.
　バスの車体がすっぽり入るくらい大きい。全長１０メートル、直径４・４メートルで、総重量は１６・５トンだ。

The vehicle this time is carrying food and daily necessities for astronauts staying on the ISS as well as laboratory equipment from Japan and the United States.
　今回は、ステーションに滞在中の宇宙飛行士の食料と生活物資のほか、日、米それぞれの実験装置を搭載している。

===

Ahead of the pack

U.S. space shuttles have played a central role in transporting supplies to the ISS. But the time for shuttles to retire is nearing, due to the huge maintenance costs needed to keep them spaceworthy.
　これまで、ステーションへの物資輸送の主役は米スペースシャトルだった。だが、維持費がかさみ退役の日が近づいている。

Russia and Europe have developed similar transport vehicles, but Japan's HTV can carry the largest loads. Whether the vehicle could successfully carry its cargo to the ISS therefore had set tongues wagging around the world.
　ロシア、欧州にも同様の輸送機はある。ただ、大型の機材を搭載できるのは、日本のＨＴＶしかない。それだけに、輸送の成否は世界から注目されている。

The HTV has been designed to be as safe as a manned spaceship because when it docks with the ISS, astronauts will move in and out of the vehicle. JAXA officials have said they intend to use HTV technology in the development of the nation's first manned spaceship.
　ＨＴＶは、ステーションと結合後、宇宙飛行士が出入りする。このため、有人宇宙船並みの安全性を備えている。宇宙機構は、国産初の有人宇宙船開発にも、この技術を生かすという。

The launch of the H-2B rocket has ushered Japan's space technology into a new stage. We hope the new administration led by the Democratic Party of Japan also will help lay the foundation for further space technology development.
　今回の打ち上げで、日本の宇宙技術は新段階に入った。新政権のもとでも、宇宙技術の基盤作りをしっかり後押ししたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 12, 2009)
（2009年9月12日01時20分 読売新聞）

郵政民営化 利用者本位で問題点を改めよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 11, 2009)
Fix postal service flaws from users' standpoint
郵政民営化　利用者本位で問題点を改めよ（9月11日付・読売社説）

We hope members of the envisaged coalition government will find the best way to make post offices more convenient and dependable hubs of local communities, while taking advantage of the benefits of postal service privatization.
　民営化の利点を生かしながら、郵便局がもっと便利で頼れる地域の拠点になるよう、知恵を絞ってほしい。

The Democratic Party of Japan, the Social Democratic Party and the People's New Party included a plan to drastically review privatization of postal services in the agreement they signed Wednesday to launch a coalition government next week.
　民主、社民、国民新の３党が、連立政権合意に郵政民営化の抜本見直しを盛り込んだ。

The three parties have agreed to freeze sales of stocks of Japan Post Holdings Co. owned by the government, and of stocks of Japan Post Bank Co. and Japan Post Insurance Co. owned by Japan Post Holdings Co. Furthermore, the parties agreed to review the four-unit postal system under the holding company.
　政府が保有する日本郵政の株式と、日本郵政が持つゆうちょ銀行とかんぽ生命保険の株式の売却を凍結する。さらに、持ち株会社の下に４事業会社を置く体制も含めて見直すという。

It is a fact that many people believe the privatization of postal services has made them rather inconvenient. In the past, you could ask a mail deliverer, who came to your home, to deposit money in your savings account at a post office. However, this has become impossible since privatization because postal and banking services are now provided by two different companies. No doubt some customers are left scratching their heads when they see the counters of Japan Post Network and Japan Post Service set side-by-side at some post offices.
　確かに、郵政民営化で「かえって不便になった」との声は多い。以前は配達に来た局員に、貯金を依頼できたが、郵便と貯金が別会社になってできなくなった。郵便局会社と郵便事業会社の窓口が併設され、戸惑うこともある。

Some people have complained they cannot collect registered mail at nearby post offices, which could not be delivered to their homes as they were out. Others insist they are waiting longer to be served at their post office since privatization.
　「不在のため配達員が持ち帰った書留を近所の郵便局で受け取れない」「窓口の待ち時間が長くなった」などの苦情も絶えない。

===

Preserve beneficial aspects

Inconveniences caused by the breakup and privatization of postal services must be remedied. We hope members of the envisaged government will take up nuisances and issues that have surfaced in the two years since privatization and review them from the standpoint of the customer--including the question of whether the four-unit Japan Post system is the best for end users.
　民営化と分社化で生じた不便は解消しなければならない。事業の４分社が利用者にとって最善の形なのかも含め、民営化から２年で起きた問題点を洗い出し、利用者の目線で見直してもらいたい。

A main pillar of the postal privatization was to shift money at Japan Post's financial arms from the public sector to the private sector to revitalize the domestic economy. We think this endeavor should be fiercely protected.
　とはいえ、資金の流れを「官から民へ」と変え、経済の活性化を図るという、民営化の「本丸」は守らねばならない。

Postal privatization is changing the long-time structure in which a massive amount of money that Japan Post's financial arms collect from the public by tapping the government's credibility is injected into companies and organizations where retired bureaucrats hold plum jobs.
　国の信用で集めた巨額の資金が役人の天下り先に流れる構造は、民営化によって改まってきた。

However, the Japan Post group, which is fully sponsored by the government, still wields the power to collect funds with the implicit state guarantee.
　しかし、郵政グループに政府が１００％出資する現状では、「暗黙の政府保証」を背景とした強い集金力が残っている。

It is essential to sell all the stock of Japan Post Bank Co. and Japan Post Insurance Co. for a complete privatization that will not allow a government-sponsored megabank and insurance company to remain intact and weigh on the business of private companies.
　官製メガ銀行とメガ生保が温存され、民業圧迫が続く事態を避けるには、ゆうちょ、かんぽの金融２社の全株式を売却し、完全民営化することが肝要だ。

===

Lingering concerns

However, concerns linger that the management of these two companies after they are fully privatized might decide to terminate financial services in underpopulated communities.
　ただし、完全民営化後は、２社の経営判断で過疎地の金融業務が切り捨てられる恐れもある。

We think it better not to require these companies to offer nationally unified financial services because that would restrict their freedom of management. But by the same token, some policy measures will be needed to prevent the emergence of communities where no financial services are provided.
　経営の自由を縛る全国一律サービスの義務付けは避けたいが、「金融空白地」を生じさせないよう工夫する必要があろう。

Shortcomings in the postal service network also must be fixed.
　郵便網のほころびも修復しなければならない。

After privatization, some post offices that were not directly operated by the government were temporarily closed.
民営化後、簡易郵便局の一時閉鎖が相次いだ。

Although the number of these post offices has been arrested with the hike in fees Japan Post pays to entrust its services to agricultural cooperatives and other organizations, about 300 post offices remain shuttered. Surely something more can be done to improve this situation.
　農協などに業務を委託する際に払う手数料の値上げで、閉鎖の増加に歯止めはかかったが、まだ約３００局が閉鎖中だ。さらに改善の余地はないだろうか。

DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama, prime minister in waiting, said he would continue to demand the resignation of Japan Post Holdings Co. President Yoshifumi Nishikawa, whose management responsibility has been brought into question over a series of scandals, including an aborted attempt to sell the Kampo no Yado resort inn network.
　民主党の鳩山代表は、かんぽの宿の売却で経営責任を問われた西川善文・日本郵政社長に辞任を求める考えを表明している。

Disruptions to postal services caused by privatization--including its management system--must be ironed out.
　経営体制も含めて、民営化のゆがみは正さねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 11, 2009)
（2009年9月11日01時14分 読売新聞）

３党連立合意 日米同盟の火種とならないか

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 10, 2009)
Coalition deal could shake alliance with U.S.
３党連立合意　日米同盟の火種とならないか（9月10日付・読売社説）


A major hurdle has finally been cleared for the launching of a new coalition cabinet under Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama, as the DPJ, the Social Democratic Party and People's New Party on Wednesday reached an agreement to form a coalition.
　鳩山連立内閣の発足に向けて、大きなハードルをようやく乗り越えた。民主、社民、国民新の３党が連立政権を樹立することで合意した。

Their policy agreement comprises 10 items, including a freeze on the consumption tax rate and a drastic review of postal-related services.
　政策合意の文書は、消費税率据え置き、郵政事業の抜本的見直しなど１０項目で構成されている。

Regarding diplomatic and security issues, which were sticking points in talks for forming the coalition, the agreed document includes a review of the planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and the role of U.S. bases in Japan, as well as a proposal to revise the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, all of which were requests by the SDP. The DPJ had been reticent about including these pledges in the agreement, but it ended up conceding after the PNP sided with the SDP.
　焦点の外交・安全保障政策では、社民党の求める「米軍再編や在日米軍基地のあり方の見直し」や「日米地位協定の改定の提起」が盛り込まれた。民主党は難色を示していたが、国民新党も社民党に同調し、押し切られた。

The new administration, however, could find itself tied to the specific wording of the document, and could hamper its relations with the United States. This could cause problems in the future.
　鳩山内閣は対米外交で、この連立合意に一定の縛りを受ける。将来の火種となりかねない。

===

Relocation plan already set

The U.S. government has said it will not renegotiate with Japan over a plan, agreed by both governments, to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station within Okinawa Prefecture. Though the prefectural government is calling for minor amendments, it has accepted the relocation plan within the prefecture as it has placed priority on an early return of the U.S. air base to Japan.
　米政府は、日米が合意した海兵隊普天間飛行場の沖縄県内移設計画の再交渉に応じない立場だ。沖縄県も、計画の微修正を求めつつ、飛行場の早期返還を優先して県内移設自体は容認している。

Is it really responsible for the government to call for a review of the relocation plan, which both the United States and local governments already have accepted, without offering any realistic alternatives? This also could damage the relationship of trust underlying the Japan-U.S. security alliance.
　現実的な代案もないまま、米側も地元自治体も納得している計画の見直しを提起することが、政府として責任ある態度だろうか。日米同盟の信頼関係も傷つく。

Such important issues as foreign and security policy affect the very foundation of the nation, and the DPJ must not concede these points so easily to the SDP out of concerns that not conceding could affect the cohesion of the coalition government.
　民主党は今後、連立政権の維持を優先するあまり、国家の基本にかかわる外交・安保政策などで、社民党に安易に妥協することを繰り返してはなるまい。

On the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean, the SDP dropped its demand for the immediate withdrawal of the mission. But the DPJ still has no intention to extend the mission beyond its expiration in mid-January.
　インド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動については、社民党が「即時撤退」との主張を取り下げたが、来年１月の活動期限を延長しない方向は変わっていない。

As alternatives to the refueling mission, the DPJ is considering such measures as increased humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Afghanistan.
　民主党は、給油活動の代案としてアフガニスタンへの人道復興支援の増額などを検討している。

But physical support in the form of MSDF personnel and financial support to Afghanistan should be seen as "two wheels on the same cart." Putting an end to physical support would be a big step backwards for Japan's international cooperation activities. The DPJ should reconsider the planned end of the MSDF mission.
　だが、海自の人的支援とアフガンへの資金支援は本来、「車の両輪」だ。人的支援がなくなることは、日本の国際協調行動の大きな後退を意味する。民主党は、海自の撤退を再考すべきだ。

===

Unbalanced influence?

During talks for forming the coalition, the three parties agreed to set up a consultation body of party leader-level cabinet members rather than a policy consultation body of the ruling parties as proposed by the SDP.
　連立協議では、社民党が求めていた与党の政策協議機関の代わりに、政府内に３党の党首級協議機関を設けることでも一致した。

The agreement is a compromise between the SDP, which wants to secure a say in the administration, and the DPJ, which intends to establish a system to unify decision-making functions in the cabinet without the involvement of ruling parties.
　政権内での発言権を確保したい社民党と、政策決定に与党が関与せず、内閣に一元化する体制を目指す民主党の折衷案である。

The worry is that the SDP and PNP might choose to stick to their guns on certain issues just to make their presence felt. This would certainly shake the DPJ-led administration. Indeed, there have been a number of coalition governments in the past in which junior partners have exerted control over the main coalition partner.
　今後、懸念されるのは、社民、国民新両党が存在感を示そうとして、独自の主張に固執し、政権を混乱させる事態だ。過去の連立政権でも、少数党が多数党を振り回した例が少なくない。

The SDP has emphasized an "equal" partnership among the three parties. But this concept lacks merit, given that the DPJ won 308 seats in the House of Representatives election compared with seven for the SDP and three for the PNP.
　社民党は「３党の対等な立場」を強調する。だが、民主党３０８、社民党７、国民新党３という衆院選の獲得議席数を踏まえれば、その主張には無理があろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 10, 2009)
（2009年9月10日01時08分 読売新聞）

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