Opposition parties criticize LDP`s manifesto

TOKYO, July 31 Kyodo -
Leaders of opposition parties harshly attacked the Liberal Democratic Party's
manifesto for the Aug. 30 general election, unveiled Friday, saying the ruling
party neglects to show remorse for causing the public hardship.
Yukio Hatoyama, head of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, told
reporters the LDP policies are unsupported by resources to finance them.
''They must borrow money and raise the consumption tax rate if they see a
shortage of resources,'' Hatoyama said.
The Japanese Communist Party's Kazuo Shii demanded the LDP express remorse for
its policy failures, saying, ''It appeals for 'secure living conditions,'
however, it is not aware who is depriving people from peace in their lives.''
Mizuho Fukushima, who leads the Social Democratic Party, attended a press
conference in the city of Aomori, where she attacked the LDP's pledge to
increase disposable income by an average 1 million yen in 10 years' time.
''It is a happy-go-lucky (pledge)'' that ignores the current hardships of life,
she said. ''I can only give (the LDP) a 10 (out of 100 points).''
Hisaoki Kamei, secretary general of the People's New Party, issued a statement
in which he said the LDP's manifesto just lists measures to please voters
''without showing its mettle for bearing the future of Japan.''
Meanwhile, Natsuo Yamaguchi, policy chief of the LDP's coalition partner the
New Komeito party, welcomed the policy platform, saying, ''It focuses on the
economy while making considerations for future security.''
''It is also consistent with policies that New Komeito, as the coalition
partner, focuses on,'' he said.
==Kyodo