英字新聞

東アジア共同体　経済連携の強化で環境整備を

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 30, 2009)Economic cooperation path to community東アジア共同体　経済連携の強化で環境整備を（9月30日付・読売社説）Even talk of an "East Asian community" may be getting too far ahead of the reality of the situation. 　「東アジア共同体」という言葉だけが先走ってはいないか。It is important first to improve the environment for its creation and proceed with the substantiation of the concept through steady efforts to strengthen economic partnerships in the region. 　地道な経済連携の強化を通じて、その環境を整え、具体化を進めていくことが重要だろう。The foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea, at their meeting in Shanghai on Monday, agreed to strengthen their cooperation to create an East Asian community. 　上海で行われた日中韓外相会談は、東アジア共同体の実現に向けて、３か国が協力を強化することで一致した。Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada stressed the necessity of promoting regional economic partnerships and building cooperation in individual sectors, such as energy and environmental efforts, under the principle of "open regionalism." Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who puts an East Asian community at the center of his diplomatic strategies based on the spirit of yu-ai or "fraternity," expressed the same view in a speech at the United Nations during his visit to the United States last week. 　岡田外相は、「開かれた地域主義」の原則の下、域内の経済連携やエネルギー、環境など個別の協力を積み重ねる考えを強調した。共同体構想を「友愛外交」の柱に据える鳩山首相も、訪米時の国連演説で同様の見解を表明した。"Open regionalism" is based on a concept of regional cooperation that does not exclude specific countries, including the United States. It has been a policy of the Japanese government since former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi touted the creation of an East Asian community in 2002. The Hatoyama administration seems to be following in Koizumi's footsteps. 　「開かれた地域主義」は、米国など特定の国を排除した地域協力にはしない、というものだ。小泉政権が２００２年に共同体構想の推進を掲げて以来の日本政府の方針であり、鳩山政権も、これを踏襲するということだろう。=== Motives questioned Nevertheless, there still are some in the United States who wonder about Hatoyama's real intention. There is little doubt that such questions are linked to Hatoyama's recent op-ed piece in a U.S. newspaper that criticized U.S.-led globalization and touched on the issue of creating a common Asian currency. 　にもかかわらず、米国には依然、首相の真意を測りかね、疑問を呈する声がある。米紙に掲載された首相の論文で、米国主導のグローバリズムへの批判やアジア共通通貨の発行に踏み込んだことが、その背景にあるのは間違いない。It would be self-defeating for Japan to take on an active leadership role in promoting the concept of an East Asian community if it negatively influences the Japan-U.S. alliance. Hatoyama and Okada should assuage U.S. worries by sufficiently explaining the intent of the effort. 　日本が積極的に共同体構想の旗振り役を務める結果、日米同盟関係に悪影響を及ぼしては、本末転倒だ。首相と外相は、今後も米側の不安を払拭(ふっしょく)するための説明努力を尽くすべきである。Discussing the idea of an East Asian community at a summit meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in New York last week, Hatoyama cited the example of energy cooperation between Germany and France leading to a wave of integration in Europe. 　首相は先の日中首脳会談で、東アジア共同体について、ドイツとフランスのエネルギー協力が欧州統合の流れにつながったことを引き合いに出した。However, it is unreasonable to model an East Asian community after the European Union. East Asia is composed of various types of countries whose political frameworks differ from each other. Due to the threat of North Korean nuclear missile attacks and China's mounting military build-up, the security environment in East Asia is not as stable as that of Europe in the post-Cold War era. 　だが、欧州連合（ＥＵ）をモデルにするのは無理がある。東アジアは、政治体制の異なる多様な国からなる。北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威や中国の軍事的台頭などがあり、冷戦終結後の欧州のような安全保障環境は整っていない。=== First step To eventually create an East Asian community, it is appropriate to begin by strengthening regional economic cooperation. 　やはり、域内の経済連携を強化するアプローチが妥当だろう。But among Japan, China and South Korea, discussion of free trade agreements and investment treaties have not made progress. South Korea has maintained a cautious stance on an FTA out of concern it might increase its trade deficit with Japan, while China also is hesitant about signing an investment treaty for fear of being forced to liberalize its investment regulations. 　ただ、日中韓をみても、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）や、その前提となる投資協定の話し合いは進んでいない。前者は対日貿易赤字の増大を懸念する韓国が、後者は投資自由化に消極的な中国が、慎重姿勢を崩していないためだ。Japan's FTA negotiations with India and Australia also have stagnated. South Korea and India, which, along with China, has shown significant economic growth, signed an FTA in August. Japan's delayed start cannot be denied. 　インドや豪州とのＦＴＡ交渉も停滞している。特に、中国と並んで発展著しいインドとは、韓国が先月、協定署名にこぎつけ、日本の出遅れは否めない。In October, a summit meeting among the leaders of Japan, China and South Korea and an East Asia Summit meeting are planned. Hatoyama and Okada should deepen discussions on strengthening economic cooperation in the region in a concrete manner. 　来月には日中韓首脳会談や東アジア首脳会議が予定されている。首相と外相は、具体的な経済連携の協議を深めるべきだ。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2009) （2009年9月30日01時08分 読売新聞）

谷垣自民党総裁　解党的出直しの先頭に立て

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 29, 2009)Tanigaki must initiate LDP's transformation谷垣自民党総裁　解党的出直しの先頭に立て（9月29日付・読売社説）Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki has been picked as the new president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party. 　野党・自民党の新総裁に、谷垣禎一・元財務相が就任した。The new LDP leader's eventual goal is to regain control of the government. To do so, the LDP must first carry out root-and-branch reform of the party so it can start from the beginning again. 　新総裁の最終的な目標は、政権奪還にある。　そのためには、まず、党の解党的な出直しが避けられない。At the same time, the LDP should adopt a cooperative stance by working with the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on important policies concerning matters of national interest and make efforts to realize them, not merely criticize the DPJ-led administration from the standpoint of an opposition party. 同時に、野党として政権を批判するだけでなく、国益に絡む重要政策については、民主党と協議した上で実現するという柔軟な姿勢が求められよう。Voting and vote-counting for the LDP presidential election were held Monday. Veteran lawmaker Tanigaki beat his two younger contenders--former Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono and former Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura. 　自民党総裁選が投開票され、ベテランの谷垣氏が、河野太郎・元法務副大臣と西村康稔・前外務政務官の中堅若手候補を下した。Tanigaki faces a heavy responsibility in bringing about the rebirth of the LDP after its crushing defeat in the recent House of Representatives election. 　谷垣氏は、先の衆院選惨敗後の自民党の再生に向けて、重い責任を負ったといえる。Tanigaki's victory likely came as a result of the fact that both LDP Diet lawmakers and rank-and-file party members highly evaluate his experience in important cabinet and party posts, the sense of stability he projects and his mild-mannered personality. 　谷垣氏の勝利は、内閣や党の要職を歴任した経験と安定感、温厚な人柄が、議員、党員の双方から評価された結果とみられる。Tanigaki asserted that the LDP should take a whole-party approach that he described as "a baseball team determined to win by employing all the players' strengths in a unified manner." Kono dismissed Tanigaki's analogy, severely criticizing the party's factional politics, but his harsh approach--demanding the expulsion of faction leaders--won little understanding. 　河野氏は、谷垣氏が主張した挙党一致の「全員野球」を否定し、派閥政治を手厳しく批判した。だが、派閥領袖の退場を求めるなど性急な「排除」の論理は、多くの理解を得られなかった。=== LDP should take fight to DPJ The Diet is the main battlefield of an opposition party. 　野党の主戦場は国会にある。Tanigaki has stressed that the LDP must ensure the ruling parties fulfill their responsibilities, and that it must come up with well-conceived policies and not lose heart. At the same time, he said the LDP will have no future if it merely finds fault with the ruling parties. 　谷垣氏は、「錬磨した政策で与党を厳しく追及する。気迫を失ってはいけない」と強調してきた。同時に「あら探しで終わるようではだめだ」とも言っている。Tanigaki is right. The LDP should trade verbal blows toe-to-toe with the ruling parties on tax and financial issues, including on the issues of a hike in the consumption tax and national security. The party should also highlight contradictions in the DPJ's policies and present responsible counterproposals. 　その通りだろう。消費税率引き上げなど税財政や安全保障で正面から論戦を挑む。民主党の政策の矛盾点をあぶり出す一方、責任ある対案をあわせて提示する。If LDP lawmakers, young and old alike, question ruling party members in Diet deliberations from such a point of view, the party will recover its vitality. Tanigaki himself should take the lead in setting a good example in Diet deliberations, including party leader debates with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. 　そんな観点から「老壮青」の自民党議員が質問に立つことは、党の活力を引き出すことにつながるのではないか。谷垣総裁も、鳩山首相との党首討論をはじめ国会論戦で、範を示すべきだ。Reconstructing the party will be no easy task. Personnel management and national elections, including the House of Councillors election to be held next summer, will be the first hurdles for Tanigaki. 　党の再建は容易ではない。党人事や来夏の参院選をはじめとした国政選挙が最初の関門になる。=== Winning urban vote key The fact that Kono and Nishimura, who both asserted the necessity for a generational change in the presidential election, gained a measure of support may signify a desire within the party for a drastic change in the system of allocating party executive posts. To give the party's top echelon a makeover, young and middle-aged lawmakers should be appointed to senior posts. 　総裁選で、世代交代を訴えた河野、西村両氏が一定の支持を得たことは、党役員の大幅刷新を求める党内世論の表れともいえよう。若手・中堅の積極的登用など清新な布陣が必要だ。In the next upper house election, the LDP must entrust the party leadership with decision-making power and rethink its strategies, including on candidate selection. 　参院選では、党執行部に権限を集中させ、候補者も含め戦略を練り直すことが迫られそうだ。As for the LDP's election strategy, if the party focuses on the rural vote, its prospects will remain dim. The important thing is for it to come up with policies that strike a chord with urban residents in the prime of life. It is indispensable for the LDP to present a clear vision to counter the DPJ's, such as its own growth strategy and a new model for the ideal shape of the nation. 　選挙対策も、地方を重視するだけでは、展望は開けない。大事なのは、都市部の働き盛りの世代などから共感を得られる政策を打ち出すことだろう。成長戦略や新たな国家像の提示など、民主党との明確な対抗軸も欠かせない。Convincing voters that the LDP has changed would be a step toward a return to power. 　自民党は変わった、と有権者に受け止めてもらう。それが政権復帰に向けての第一歩になる。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2009) （2009年9月29日01時04分 読売新聞）

敬老の日　安心できる超高齢社会に

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 21, 2009)Assuage people's fears over hyper-aging society敬老の日　安心できる超高齢社会に（9月21日付・読売社説）Respect-for-the-Aged Day falls Monday, a few days after the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama took office. 　鳩山政権が発足して間もないきょう、敬老の日を迎えた。This nation is aging faster than any other in the world. 日本の高齢化は、世界に類を見ないスピードで進行している。In 1966, when Respect-for-the-Aged Day became a national holiday, the average life span of Japanese males was 68 and that of females 73. Currently, men live an average of 79 years and women 86 years, and life spans are bound to continue to lengthen. We live in an era in which about 1.3 million, or one in 100, of the nation's population are aged 90 or older. 　敬老の日が祝日となった１９６６年、日本人の平均寿命は男が６８歳、女は７３歳だった。それが今では男７９歳、女８６歳となり、年々延び続けている。１００人に１人、約１３０万人が９０歳以上という時代である。Of course, graying itself is not something to feel anxious about. It is gratifying that many people live long. 　無論、高齢化それ自体は憂うべきものではない。多くの人が長寿であるのは喜ばしいことだ。Nevertheless, our hyper-aging society tends to be described in gloomy terms, no doubt due to concern that the social security system is unsustainable. 　にもかかわらず、超高齢社会が暗いイメージで語られがちなのはなぜか。社会保障制度が十分に対応できていないからだろう。To dispel such anxieties, the new administration faces a mountain of tasks related to reconstructing and maintaining the pension system and medical and nursing care services, all of which are vital to support elderly people's lives. 　新政権はこの不安を払拭(ふっしょく)するために、老後の生活を支える年金、医療、介護をどう再構築し、維持していくのか。山積する課題に取り組まねばならない。=== DPJ must make right decision The first daunting challenge facing the new administration is overhauling the medical insurance system for elderly people. 　まず、直面する難題は高齢者医療である。At a press conference he gave after assuming his post, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma reiterated that the medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older would be abolished. He did not say when the current system would be scrapped. As for a system that would replace the existing one, Nagatsuma said it would be designed to reflect realities. This was a pragmatic choice. 　長妻厚生労働相は就任会見で、改めて「後期高齢者医療制度は廃止する」と表明した。ただし廃止時期には触れず、その後については「現状を把握した上で制度設計する」とした。これは現実的な選択と言えよう。The medical insurance system for those aged 75 and over was crafted to resolve the severe strain that the health insurance system for elderly people had come under. It clarified the burden that working generations must shoulder to pay the medical expenses of those aged 75 and older. It also removed the disparities in premiums that existed within individual prefectures by setting up prefectural-run insurers. 　後期高齢者医療制度は、老人保健制度の行き詰まりを打開する目的で作られた。７５歳以上の人の医療費を現役世代がどれだけ負担するかを明確にし、県単位の保険者を作って保険料格差を縮めた。Although it is true that the current system is flawed and was never explained properly, the emotional backlash over its name--its reference to elderly people aged 75 and older as koki koreisha (late-stage elderly people)--and other elements predominated during discussions over the new system, with the result that it was never discussed in a calm manner. 　新制度には様々な欠陥や説明不足もあったが、呼称などに対する感情的反発が先行し、冷静な議論が行われたとは言い難い。When the DPJ was an opposition party, it was all right to press the government on the system's defects and parrot the slogan "Abolish the new system immediately and reinstate the old medical insurance system for the elderly." But since it has become the ruling party and taken over the reins of government, it will not be forgiven if it makes a decision that could invite confusion. 　野党なら政策の欠点だけを追及し、「ただちに廃止して老健制度に戻せ」と唱えればよかったが、政府・与党となったからには、いたずらに混乱を招くだけの選択は許されまい。=== Have sales tax fund welfare Weighing up the merits and demerits of the medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older and then reconstructing it would not mean breaking the DPJ's election campaign pledge to abolish the existing system. 　後期高齢者医療制度の利点と欠点を適切に評価し、発展的に再構築することは、「現制度を廃止する」との公約に反しない。We hope the DPJ formulates a blueprint for the medical insurance system for the elderly calmly and constructively. 冷静かつ建設的に、高齢者医療の将来像を練ってもらいたい。In doing so, if increases in health insurance premiums and over-the-counter payments by patients are seen to have reached their limit, there is no option but to increase the injection of public money. That is true not only in the case of medical services, but also for pension and nursing care insurance systems. 　その場合、保険料や窓口負担が限界と見るならば、公費の投入を増やすしかない。医療に限らず、年金も介護保険も同様だ。But can the DPJ fund measures for elderly people without increasing taxes at a time when securing financial resources for other new policies, such as the monthly child-rearing allowance, is in question? 　だが、子ども手当など他の新規施策だけでも財源確保に疑問符がつく中で、増税なしに高齢者施策の財源は見いだせるだろうか。If the consumption tax is transformed into a social security tax so that financial resources can be properly secured, the government will have more choices in formulating policies for this hyper-aging society. The new administration should make a decision on the medical insurance system for elderly people without delay. 　消費税を社会保障税とし、きちんと財源を確保すれば、超高齢時代の施策は選択肢が広がる。新政権は一日も早く決断すべきだ。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2009) （2009年9月21日01時12分 読売新聞）

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鳩山外交始動　日米同盟基軸を行動で示せ

Words alone not enough for Japan-U.S. allianceThe Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 20, 2009)鳩山外交始動　日米同盟基軸を行動で示せ（9月20日付・読売社説）Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will leave for the United States on Monday, where he plans to attend a series of international conferences that will discuss such important global issues as climate change, nuclear arms reduction, nuclear nonproliferation, the world economy and international finance. 　鳩山首相があす、米国に向けて出発する。　今回の訪米では、気候変動、核軍縮・不拡散、国際経済・金融など世界規模の重要課題を討議する国際会議が目白押しだ。Hatoyama also is scheduled to hold summit meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama as well the leaders of countries including Britain, China, France, India, Russia and South Korea. 　オバマ米大統領をはじめ、中国、韓国、英国、フランス、ロシア、インドなど各国首脳との会談も予定されている。These planned meetings indicate the keen interest that world leaders have in the diplomatic stance of Hatoyama, who has effected a change in government. 　首脳会談が相次いで行われる背景には、政権交代を実現した鳩山首相の外交姿勢に強い関心が抱かれていることがあろう。　◆継続性重視アピールを◆During the campaign for last month's House of Representatives election, Hatoyama stressed that "continuity is important for diplomacy." During his U.S. visit, we hope he will assert to the world that there will be no fundamental changes in this country's foreign policies following the recent change in power. This means maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance, respecting the principle of international cooperation and promoting the free trade system. 　首相は選挙中、「外交は継続性が重要だ」と指摘している。日米同盟の堅持、国際協調主義、自由貿易体制の推進といった日本外交の骨格は、政権が交代しても何ら変わらないことを積極的に発信してもらいたい。=== No room for misinterpretation It is particularly important for Hatoyama to convey clearly to the United States that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to be the axis of this nation's foreign policy. 　中でも重要なのは、日米同盟が引き続き外交の基軸であることを米側に明確に伝えることだ。A Hatoyama op-ed article carried on the Web site of a U.S. newspaper late last month was seen to criticize U.S.-led globalism, and was thus construed as being "anti-U.S.," stirring controversy in Washington. 　先月末に米紙に掲載された首相の論文は、米国主導のグローバリズムを批判するなど、「反米的」と受け止められ、米国内で波紋を呼んだ。Hatoyama later said his true opinions were not conveyed accurately. 　首相は、真意が伝わらなかったと釈明している。It is important for the prime minister to dispel such concern during his U.S. visit by giving a full account of his stance in his own words. 今回の訪米を機会に、自らの口できちんと説明し、米側の懸念を払拭(ふっしょく)することが大事だ。To this end, Hatoyama also must show that actions speak louder than words. He should, for example, clarify the kind of assistance Japan plans to provide to Afghanistan--a country at the forefront of the "war against terror." 　そのためには、「言葉」だけではなく、具体的に裏付ける「行動」を示さなければなるまい。　例えば、「テロとの戦い」の最前線国家アフガニスタンに対して日本はどんな支援をするのか。If Afghanistan once again becomes a haunt for international terrorist organizations, global peace and security could be quickly destabilized. 　アフガンが再び、国際テロ組織の巣窟(そうくつ)と化せば、世界の平和と安全は一気に不安定化する。During a phone conversation earlier this month, Obama's asked Hatoyama for Japan's help in sweeping militants out of Afghanistan--apparently prompted by the U.S. president's recognition of the dire situation in the war-torn country. オバマ大統領が今月初めの電話会談で、首相に「アフガンの過激派の掃討」への協力を求めたのも、そんな厳しい認識からだろう。　◆問われるアフガン支援◆If Japan suspends the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean--as the Democratic Party of Japan pledged to do during campaigning for the recent election--the United States would conclude that Japan was withdrawing from the fight against terrorism. This could cause a serious rift in the Japan-U.S. relationship. 　民主党が選挙で公約した通り、日本がインド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動を中止すれば、「テロとの戦いから離脱した」と受け止められ、日米関係に亀裂が生じる恐れがある。As an alternative measure, Hatoyama has said he would reinforce civilian activities in Afghanistan. However, Japan has been engaging in a range of activities in the country, including the provision of agricultural assistance and the construction of schools. 　首相は、代わりにアフガン本土での文民活動を強化する考えだが、日本はすでに農業支援や学校建設など様々な活動に取り組んでいる。Is Hatoyama's plan really a feasible alternative? We believe he should explore the possibility of continuing the refueling mission. 代替策になるのか。　首相はやはり、給油活動継続の可能性を探るべきだろう。===

自民総裁選告示　政権奪還が目指せる党首を

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 19, 2009)LDP needs leader who can rule roost自民総裁選告示　政権奪還が目指せる党首を（9月19日付・読売社説）The Liberal Democratic Party officially announced Friday the date of its presidential election. This will be a golden opportunity for the former ruling party to restart from scratch after its historic defeat in the recent House of Representatives election. 　総選挙惨敗を受けた自民党の出直し総裁選が告示された。Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, former Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono and Yasutoshi Nishimura, former parliamentary vice foreign minister, have filed their candidacies for the election. 　谷垣禎一・元財務相、河野太郎・元法務副大臣、西村康稔(やすとし)・前外務政務官の３氏が立候補した。The party has decided that votes will be cast and counted on Sept. 28. We hope the three candidates will use the time available to tell party members in plain language just how they plan to reform the party--and what kind of bitter medicine the LDP will have to swallow during the reform process. They must demonstrate they possess the leadership needed to help the party overcome the biggest crisis in its history. 　２８日の投開票日まで、党の抜本改革の具体的な工程表と、改革に伴う“痛み”の大きさを率直に説明し、結党以来の危機を乗り越える指導力を持っていることを示してもらいたい。Former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, who was considered a top contender to succeed former Prime Minister Taro Aso, and former Construction and Transport Minister Nobuteru Ishihara, who ran in last autumn's LDP presidential election, announced earlier they would not throw their hats in the ring. 　麻生前首相の後継に本命視された舛添要一・前厚生労働相や、昨秋の総裁選に出馬した石原伸晃・元国土交通相らは、早々と不出馬を宣言した。Some observers believe that Masuzoe and Ishihara decided not to run this time because, even if elected, the next LDP president could not become prime minister as there is no prospect of the party returning to power any time soon. 　政権への早期復帰のめどが立たず、「首相になれない総裁」で終わる可能性が高いとみて、今回は見送ったとの見方もある。=== Might not be a 'next time' However, the party is not in a situation where it can optimistically assume there will be a "next time." 　自民党は今、「次がある」などと楽観できる状況ではない。The only other time the LDP found itself booted into the opposition was when the administration of Morihiro Hosokawa was launched in 1993. However, the LDP returned to the ruling bloc about 10 months later. At that time, the party was the largest force in both Diet chambers. 　１９９３年の細川政権誕生で野党に転落した時は、約１０か月で政権復帰を果たしたが、当時は衆参両院とも第１党の座にあった。The situation is completely different today: The Democratic Party of Japan is the strongest presence in both houses. 今回とは状況がまったく異なる。Six prefectures including Niigata Prefecture have no LDP representative in the lower house. Iwate and two other prefectures have no LDP member in either Diet house. It is no stretch of the imagination to assume that pro-LDP industry organizations and local assembly members will gradually start leaning toward the DPJ and eventually become loyal supporters of the current ruling party. 　新潟など６県は衆院議員が１人もいなくなり、岩手など３県は国会議員がゼロだ。業界団体や地方議員が徐々に民主党になびいて、自民党から離反していく事態も十分予想される。The LDP increased the number of votes given to representatives of prefectural chapters for the upcoming presidential election to 300 from the previous election's 141. It also will hold open debate meetings across the country. These measures reflect the party's recognition that there will not be a "next time" if its Diet members, local assembly members and rank-and-filers are not on the same page when it comes to rebuilding the party. 　地方票の割合を増やし、各地で公開討論会を催すのも、国会議員、地方議員、一般党員が一丸となって再建に取り組まなければ、「次」はないとの認識からだろう。The three candidates said they will end the huge influence that factions hold over party management and personnel matters, and that incumbents will be given priority in the selection of election candidates. However, the necessity of such changes has been pointed out each time the party has been defeated in an election. It is natural that the party should carry out such reforms--this time could be the last chance to do so. 　３氏は、派閥が影響力を持つ党運営や人事、現職優先の候補者選考などを見直すとしている。いずれも選挙で敗北するたびに、改革の必要性が指摘されてきた。今度こそ実行しなければなるまい。=== Time to start rebuilding More importantly, LDP members should start by bracing themselves for a lengthy stay on the opposition benches. Accepting this sobering likelihood will be the first step in strengthening the party to a point where it can carry out political activities, steadily and tenaciously, across the nation. 　それ以上に大事なのは、野党時代が長引くことを覚悟することだ。その上で、地道で粘り強い政治活動を全国で展開できる力を養うことである。Government subsidies to the party are expected to plunge from about 15.7 billion yen before the lower house election to about 10.4 billion yen. The LDP will have little option but to slash the number of party staffers and members' secretaries. If the party is serious about winning next summer's House of Councillors election, it should not hesitate to make sweeping changes to its list of would-be candidates if necessary. 　政党交付金は、選挙前の約１５７億円から約１０４億円に激減する見込みだ。党職員や秘書の大幅なリストラは避けられない。来年夏の参院選に勝利するには、大胆な候補者差し替えもためらうべきではないだろう。Such actions could invite a fierce backlash and even lead to a split in the party if they are not handled properly. Even so, the LDP needs a leader who can convince any skeptics within the party to get on board, and, if push comes to shove, overcome any defiance. 　激しい反発を招き、対応を誤ると分裂する恐れも出てこよう。それでも、党内を説得し、抵抗を突破できる指導者が、今の自民党には必要だ。Even if a successful candidate obtains the support of local assembly members and rank-and-file party members, the LDP will be viewed by many people as a "political party incapable of transforming itself" if the new LDP president ducks important national issues by focusing on such matters as dispensing with factions or ushering in a generational change in the party. 　地方議員や一般党員の支持を得ようと、派閥解消や世代交代を唱えてお茶を濁すようなら、国民からは「自己変革できない政党」の烙印(らくいん)を押されるだろう。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2009) （2009年9月19日01時03分 読売新聞）

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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。===

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）

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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）

ＣＯ２削減目標　２５％のハードルは高過ぎる

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 9, 2009)DPJ's goal of 25% cut in emissions too ambitiousＣＯ２削減目標　２５％のハードルは高過ぎる（9月9日付・読売社説）How will the nation's new government build a fair framework to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, making use of lessons learned from the Kyoto Protocol? The new administration's ability to handle this matter will come under close scrutiny. 　京都議定書の教訓を生かし、二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）など温室効果ガスの排出を削減する公平な枠組みをどう築くのか。新政権の力量が厳しく問われることになる。Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama said in a speech Monday that the nation's midterm target would be to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Hatoyama said he would announce the plan at the climate change summit at the United Nations later this month. 　民主党の鳩山代表が講演で、２０２０年までの温室効果ガス削減の中期目標について、「１９９０年比２５％削減」を言明した。近く国連の気候変動に関する首脳級会合で表明するという。With a view to the post-Kyoto Protocol agreement for which the negotiation deadline is the end of this year, Hatoyama urged other major countries to agree on ambitious reduction targets. He said such an accord among all major countries will be a precondition for Japan's new pledge to the international community. 　鳩山代表は、今年末に交渉期限を迎える「ポスト京都議定書」を念頭に、「すべての主要国の参加による意欲的な目標の合意が、我が国の国際社会への約束の前提となる」と述べた。We believe it was quite right for Hatoyama to have said that the nation would start tackling the 25 percent reduction target only after all the major greenhouse gas emitters, including the United States and China--the world's two largest greenhouse gas producers, make efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. 　米国、中国の２大排出国など、主要排出国の削減努力があって初めて「２５％減」に取り組むとしたのは、当然のことといえる。As for convincing the world's major countries to participate in efforts to address global warming, however, Hatoyama himself must press other countries to take action through summit meetings and other occasions. In particular, he has to persuade China, which has refused to shoulder any numerical emission-reduction obligations, in cooperation with other industrialized countries. 　そのためには、鳩山代表自身、首脳会談などで各国に強く働きかけていくべきだ。特に、削減の数値目標を課されるのを拒む中国に対しては、他の先進国と連携して説得することが求められる。=== Hatoyama overreaching Above all, is the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels an appropriate target? Hatoyama's proposal is expected to fuel debate across Japan. The proposal translates into a 30 percent emission cut compared with 2005 levels, far higher than the reduction goals set by the United States and the European Union of 14 percent and 13 percent, respectively. 　それにしても、「９０年比２５％減」は妥当なのか。今後、国内議論が活発化するだろう。０５年比に直すと３０％減の削減率に当たり、米国の１４％減、欧州連合（ＥＵ）の１３％減より大幅に高い。Because the target is expected to require strict regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, the proposal has drawn strong objections from the industrial sector, mainly out of concerns that it would have an adverse effect on the economy. 　厳しい排出規制が必要になるため、産業界には「景気に悪影響を及ぼす」といった反発が強い。According to a projection by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso, the country's households will end up having to spend 360,000 yen more a year for the country to meet the 25-percent reduction goal. 「家計の負担が年３６万円増加」といった麻生内閣の試算もある。Once Hatoyama announces the plan at the U.N. meeting, it is highly likely to become the minimum reduction goal to be imposed in an international accord that will take the place of the Kyoto Protocol. The new government is advised to avoid having the plan become Japan's international pledge at this stage, when no domestic agreement has yet been reached. 　国連で公言すれば、「ポスト京都」で日本に課せられる削減義務の最低線になる可能性が高い。国内合意がないまま、国際公約とすることは避けるべきだ。=== Effect difficult to gauge What kind of impact will the plan have on people's livelihoods? Hatoyama must thoroughly explain this point to the public first. 　国民生活にどんな影響が生じるのか。鳩山代表はまず、それを丁寧に説明しなければなるまい。In the case of the 25 percent reduction target, it remains unclear how much will be reduced through domestic efforts. 　２５％の削減のうち、「真水」といわれる国内削減分がどの程度なのかも、はっきりしない。Currently, Japan has been finding it difficult to achieve the Kyoto Protocol goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent from 1990 levels by 2012. In order to make up for shortfalls to meet the target, the government plans to purchase emissions quotas from other countries. The amount of emissions quotas to be purchased is said to total about 200 billion yen. 　日本は、京都議定書で課せられた９０年比６％の削減ですら難しい状況にある。削減の不足分を補うため、海外から排出枠を購入して帳尻を合わせる方針だ。その額は約２０００億円とされる。Such an ill-advised policy must not be repeated in the framework of the post-Kyoto Protocol agreement. 　「ポスト京都」では、こうした愚策を続けてはなるまい。Hatoyama stated that industrialized countries should provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries striving to cut greenhouse gas emissions. 　鳩山代表は「削減に努める途上国に対して、先進国は資金的、技術的な支援を行うべきだ」と述べた。The energy-saving technology that has been developed and fostered in Japan will serve as important tools to help the entire world cut greenhouse gas emissions. 日本が培ってきた省エネ技術は、世界全体の排出削減の有力な手段となり得るであろう。What Japan has to do is not set a high reduction goal, but contribute by helping other countries slash emissions through realistic measures. 　高い削減目標より、現実的な施策で世界の排出削減に貢献する。それが日本がなすべきことだ。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 9, 2009) （2009年9月9日01時13分 読売新聞）

新内閣骨格人事　政権引き継ぎを円滑に進めよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 8, 2009)Smooth transfer of power essential新内閣骨格人事　政権引き継ぎを円滑に進めよ（9月8日付・読売社説）The main lineup of the new cabinet in the administration of incoming Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has been decided. Preparations need to be expedited so that the transfer of power can be smoothly realized in the launch of the new administration next week. 　鳩山新内閣の主要閣僚人事が固まった。来週の発足に向けて、円滑な政権引き継ぎができるよう準備を急いでほしい。Democratic Party of Japan Acting President Naoto Kan will be appointed state strategy minister, a post to which DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama attaches the greatest importance. Party Secretary General Katsuya Okada and Hirofumi Hirano, head of the DPJ executives' secretariat, will assume the posts of foreign minister and chief cabinet secretary, respectively. DPJ Supreme Adviser Hirohisa Fujii is expected to be named finance minister. 　民主党の鳩山代表が最も重視する国家戦略相には、菅直人代表代行が決まった。外相は岡田克也幹事長、官房長官は平野博文役員室担当が就任する。財務相は藤井裕久最高顧問の起用で調整が進んでいる。The new cabinet is expected to tackle a number of difficult problems, but the business of governing the country requires constant effort and attention. Because the new cabinet is expected to include many who have no cabinet experience, there are both expectations of and anxieties about the incoming administration. 　新内閣には多くの難題が待ち構えている。行政の停滞は許されない。新内閣は、閣僚経験のない大臣が大半を占める見通しであり、期待と不安が交錯する。Because the sources of revenue to fund the child allowance program and other new policies still remain uncertain, how will the new government compile the fiscal 2010 budget while paying attention to economic stimulus measures? How will it deal with the U.N. General Assembly and the Group of 20 financial summit scheduled for later this month? 　子ども手当など新規政策の財源が不明確な中、景気対策に目配りしつつ、来年度予算をいかに編成するのか。今月下旬の国連総会や金融サミットにどう臨むのか。To minimize confusion after its launch, the new cabinet needs to make effective use of the run-up period prior to the special Diet session on Sept. 16 and coordinate policies both within the party and with other parties. 　政権発足後の混乱を最小限にするには、１６日の特別国会召集までの助走期間を有効活用し、党内外の政策調整を行う必要がある。=== Setting priorities It is important to closely examine the party's election pledges and prioritize them on the basis of how urgent the need is for their implementation. 　重要なのは、政権公約の内容を精査し、早急に実行する政策の優先順位を決めることだ。It will not be acceptable for the new government to waste time in setting up new organs, such as the national strategy bureau that will be under the direct control of the prime minister, and reviewing the rules governing the interaction between policymakers and bureaucrats, consequently delaying the undertaking of the cabinet's essential tasks. 　首相直属の国家戦略局など新機関の設置や政官関係のルール見直しに手間取り、内閣本来の業務が滞るようでは困る。It is desirable for the new government to hold detailed discussions to the greatest extent possible not only on personnel affairs concerning high-ranking government officials but also new systems and rules before it takes office. 政府高官人事は無論、新たな制度やルールについても、政権発足前に極力詰めておくことが望ましい。The national strategy bureau, to be headed by Kan, will assume the role of drawing up principles for drafting the budget and charting the broad outlines of foreign policy, in addition to comprehensively coordinating policies. 　菅氏がトップとなる国家戦略局は、予算編成方針や外交ビジョンの策定のほか、政策の総合調整の役割を担う。The bureau will also act as the control tower for the new government to carry out the DPJ policy of ending the deference of the nation's political circles to bureaucrats. 民主党の掲げる「官僚依存政治からの脱却」を実現する司令塔ともなる。=== Tackling the bureaucracy Kan dealt with problems caused by HIV-tainted blood products as health and welfare minister in the coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party and New Party Sakigake (Pioneers). Subsequently, as an opposition member, he pursued various other problems, such as wasteful spending by bureaucrats and the so-called amakudari practice in which retiring high-ranking government officials take up lucrative jobs at agencies and other organizations they previously dealt with while public servants. Hatoyama decided to give the new post to Kan, apparently concluding that he is suited to reforming Kasumigaseki, the center of the country's bureaucracy. 　菅氏は、「自社さ」政権の厚相として「政治主導」で薬害エイズ問題に取り組んだ。その後の野党時代も、国会で官僚による無駄遣いや天下りを追及してきた。霞が関改革に適任との判断だろう。We have no objections to "politician-led" politics and drastically cutting wasteful spending, but what is needed now is not playing to the gallery by bashing bureaucrats as opposition party members often do, but ideas and strategies to put bureaucrats under the government's control. 　「政治主導」やムダな支出の徹底削減に異論はないが、求められるのは、野党的な官僚たたきのパフォーマンスではなく、官僚をきちんと使いこなす発想だ。Okada, who is to assume the post of foreign minister, is well-versed in policy and has built personnel connections in the United States and other countries through his visits overseas. On the other hand, as he is often derided as a fundamentalist, some have voiced concerns over rigidity in his policies. 　外相に起用される岡田氏は、政策通のうえ、外遊を通じて米国をはじめ各国に人脈を築いてきた。一方で、「原理主義者」と揶揄(やゆ)されるように、政策面の硬直性を心配する向きもある。As for the new government's diplomatic policies, concerns have been expressed over Japan-U.S. relations because of the DPJ's coalition with the SDP and Hatoyama's recent op-ed piece published in The New York Times that caused a stir by expressing views that appeared to be critical of the United States. 　新政権の外交政策では、社民党との連立に加えて、「反米的」とも評された鳩山論文の影響などから対米関係が懸念されている。If Japan-U.S. relations became unstable, it will cast a shadow on the Asia-oriented diplomacy the DPJ emphasizes. It will be necessary for the new government to pay careful attention to building a relationship of trust between Japan and the United States. 　日米同盟が不安定化すれば、民主党の重視するアジア外交にも悪影響を及ぼす。新政権は、日米の信頼関係の構築に十分留意することが必要だろう。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 8, 2009) （2009年9月8日01時12分 読売新聞）

税制改正　財源確保に道筋をつけよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 7, 2009)DPJ must ensure it can pay for its tax policy税制改正　財源確保に道筋をつけよ（9月7日付・読売社説）The imminent birth of a government led by the Democratic Party of Japan will mark the start of great changes to the nation's taxation system--changes that will directly impact our daily lives. 　暮らしに直結する税金の仕組みが、民主党政権の誕生で大きく変わることになりそうだ。In its manifesto for the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election, the DPJ said it would abolish income tax deductions for spouses and dependents, and drastically review special tax exemption measures currently in place, including some corporate tax breaks. 　民主党は政権公約で、所得税の配偶者控除と扶養控除の廃止や、法人税の優遇などを含む租税特別措置の抜本見直しを打ち出している。This amounts to a de facto tax increase by the DPJ, which is trying to secure a revenue stream to finance the party's much publicized child-allowance scheme. 　公約の目玉である「子ども手当」の財源を確保するための事実上の増税だ。Simply reading the party's manifesto does not give us a clear picture of how the burden of individual households and corporations will change. だが、個々の世帯や企業の負担がどう変わるのか、公約だけではよく分からない。The DPJ must immediately set about deciding which parts of the current tax system should be revised, so it can provide the public with concrete details of its new tax system. 民主党は早急に改正点の検討に入り、具体像を示すべきだ。=== All give and no take The DPJ will need to rake in annual revenue of 5.3 trillion yen to enable it to distribute the 26,000 yen a month per child it promised to give households with children of middle school age or younger. For the first year, the DPJ will pay out only half the allowance. The party also has stated it will not abolish the tax deductions currently in place until fiscal 2011. 　中学生以下の子ども１人に月２万６０００円の手当を配るには、５・３兆円の財源が要る。民主党は来年度は支給を半額にとどめ、控除見直しは２０１１年度に先送りする方針だ。In pressing ahead with its plan to introduce the child rearing allowances before abolishing some tax deductions, the party presumably has an eye on meeting its campaign promises to make sure it can claim an achievement in the run-up to next year's House of Councillors election. 　手当の支給を先行させ、来年の参院選に向けた実績としたいのだろう。However, if the party avoids asking the public to accept an increased tax burden, painful to voters, and in doing so postpones the introduction of measures that are needed to secure revenue sources it will not be able to be judged as having met its election pledges. しかし、痛みを伴う財源確保を後回しにするのでは、真の公約実現とは言えまい。The abolition of deductions should be discussed when drawing up tax revisions for next fiscal year, which come at the year's end, to ensure they are ready to be introduced. 　控除の見直しは年末の来年度税制改正で議論し、できる限り詰めておく必要がある。The across-the-board child-rearing allowances has come in for some criticism, with some saying the system should be income-tested. If necessary, the party should not hesitate to change the amount, the period for which it is handed out and the method by which the allowances are distributed. 子ども手当に対しては、「支給に所得制限を設けるべきだ」との声もある。必要なら額や支給時期、方法の見直しもためらうべきではなかろう。There are about 300 items covered by the special tax exemption measures, and that is regarding national taxes alone. The total value of the tax breaks comes to 7.3 trillion yen. 　租税特別措置は国税分だけで約３００項目、減税の総額は７兆３０００億円にのぼる。The tax breaks were effectively introduced as temporary measures, taken to achieve such things as the promotion of certain industries, but quite a few measures were then extended despite their original purposes being fulfilled. 産業振興などを図る一時的な措置だが、目的を終えてずるずる延長されている措置も多い。Indeed, it is important to review such measures to ascertain their purposes and necessity. However, the termination of even opaque measures does not guarantee that new revenue sources will immediately be created. 　政策目的や必要性をもう一度洗い直す意義はある。しかし、不透明な措置を打ち切れば、ただちに財源が生まれるわけではない。A good sum of income from taxes could be generated if special measures that involve the granting of large tax cuts are terminated. However, suspension of such a large tax break also will have a sizable negative impact. 　減税規模の大きい特別措置をやめればまとまった税収が入るが、そうした措置ほど影響は大きい。Some measures were introduced to aid the socially vulnerable, such as making interest on the savings of disabled people exempt from tax, and to spur economic growth, such as tax breaks for investment in facilities by mid- and small-sized companies. 障害者の預金利子の非課税など弱者に配慮した措置や、中小企業への設備投資減税など景気対策を担う措置もある。It may be necessary for the new administration to make some of the special tax measures permanent if it determines they should be maintained. The DPJ should not forcibly cancel any tax break solely on the basis of prioritizing the securing of revenues over all other considerations. 　存続が必要なものは、本則として位置づけし直すことも必要になろう。財源確保ありきでの強引な打ち切りは慎むべきだ。=== New procedure for tax changes The DPJ also plans to change the mechanism by which tax system revisions are made. Until now, the government's Tax Commission and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Research Commission on Tax System concurrently have been steering tax-related policies. The DPJ is to integrate the works under a new governmental tax panel to be created within the government. The new tax commission most likely will comprise only Diet members. 　民主党は税制決定の仕組みも見直す方針だ。これまでは政府と与党の税制調査会が並立していたが、今後は政府内に設ける新政府税調に一元化する。新税調は国会議員で構成される見通しだ。Since tax revisions will affect the interests of a wide array of people and companies, the DPJ must listen extensively to concerns and demands of as many of the concerned parties as possible. 　多くの人や企業の利害を左右する税制改正では、幅広く要望を聞くことが肝要だ。If the new government already only has a few months left to study and decide on its tax system revisions for next fiscal year. As soon as prime minister-in-waiting Yukio Hatoyama launches his new cabinet, he must pull it into shape and ensure it gets straight to work on the matter. 新組織で来年度改正に取り組むなら、残された時間は少ない。新内閣の発足後、すみやかに新たな体制をつくらねばならない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 7, 2009) （2009年9月7日01時18分 読売新聞）

公明党敗北　出直しに与党経験を生かせ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 6, 2009)For New Komeito a time to reflect, rebuild公明党敗北　出直しに与党経験を生かせ（9月6日付・読売社説）The two highest-ranking members of New Komeito--its leader and secretary general--lost their seats in last Sunday's House of Representatives election, marking the most crushing defeat for the party since its foundation. 　総選挙の結果は、党首と幹事長のトップ２人が共に落選するという、結党以来かつてない惨敗である。It should now calmly examine the causes of its defeat and learn lessons from it for its renewal. 敗因を冷静に分析し、再出発の糧としなければならない。All eight Komeito candidates fielded in single-seat constituencies lost their seats and the party won 21 seats in the proportional representation section of the election, which is fewer than the 25 seats it gained in the 1967 lower house election, the first lower house poll in which Komeito participated. It is no exaggeration to say the party is now facing its greatest crisis. 　公明党は、８人の小選挙区候補が全員落選し、比例選のみで獲得した２１議席は、衆院に初めて進出した１９６７年衆院選の２５議席を下回った。最大の危機に直面していると言っても誇張ではない。Natsuo Yamaguchi, chairman of the party's Policy Research Council, is expected to become the new party leader. What he and the new leadership must do first is rebuild the party ahead of the House of Councillors election next summer. 　新代表には山口那津男政調会長が就任する見通しで、新執行部の最初の仕事は、来年夏の参院選に向けた体制立て直しだ。=== Tied to falling LDP There is no doubt that the resounding defeat of Komeito--which has a solid support base in lay buddhist organization Soka Gakkai--is due to the strong headwind of voter dissatisfaction that blew against the Liberal Democratic Party. Komeito was effectively toppled with its coalition partner. 　創価学会という強固な支持基盤を持つ公明党が大敗したのは、自民党への強い逆風のあおりをまともに受けたためであることは間違いない。Komeito garnered about 8.05 million votes in the proportional representation section of the election, about 700,000 to 900,000 votes fewer than it achieved in the previous two polls. The party's defeat may also be attributed to the fact that the party was not able to collect many votes cast by supporters of the LDP this time. 　比例選の得票が約８０５万票にとどまり、過去２回と比べて７０万～９０万票も減った。連立相手の自民党支持層からの得票が伸び悩んだことも、敗因の一つだろう。Moreover, it is undeniable that the election result was partly due to the fact that Komeito was tarred with the same brush as the scandal-hit LDP. Komeito was unable to promote itself as a unique party, finding that it had slowly been cast into oblivion over the past decade spent as the LDP's junior coalition partner. 　それ以上に、１０年にわたる自民党との連立政権下で、公明党がその持ち味を発揮できずに埋没した揚げ句、不祥事続きの自民党と同列視されたことが影響した面も否めない。Komeito apparently had some problems in deciding on its policies. For example, the party always took a reluctant stance toward the utilization of the Self-Defense Forces at key moments, including the Afghan and Iraq wars launched after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, because they succumbed to the deep-rooted "nonmilitarism and peace" orientation of Soka Gakkai members. 　政策対応にも、問題はなかったか。例えば、米同時テロ後のアフガン戦争やイラク戦争といった節目で、創価学会員に根強い「非軍事・平和」志向に押されるまま、自衛隊の活用に常に消極的な姿勢を取った。It was Komeito that took the initiative in realizing the flat-sum cash benefit program on which the administration of Prime Minister Taro Aso spent a hefty 2 trillion yen. However, the program has had a limited effect in terms of stimulating the economy and was criticized as pork-barreling. 　麻生政権が２兆円もの巨費を投じた定額給付金は、公明党が主導したものだ。景気刺激効果は限定的と言われ、バラマキ的政策と批判を浴びた。During the final stage of the administration of former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, senior Komeito members made remarks that could be construed as calling for Fukuda to be replaced. Some observers also have pointed out that Komeito grew conceited due to its increased influence over the LDP it achieved through vital support it gave the LDP in elections. 　福田政権の末期には、党幹部から「福田降ろし」を促すかのような発言もあった。選挙支援を通じて自民党への影響力を強めたことで、驕(おご)りとも言える対応が増えたという指摘もある。On the other hand, the experience gained by Komeito during its time in the LDP-Komeito coalition must surely be a valuable asset. Previously in perpetual opposition as a force that only criticized the ruling party, Komeito's time in power has made it aware of the political responsibilities of a ruling party, and has given it experience in planning and implementing realistic policies and formulating foreign and national security policies from a global standpoint. 　反面、自公政権下の経験は、批判勢力としての万年野党的立場から、政権与党としての政治責任の自覚、現実的政策の立案や遂行、国際的視野での外交・安全保障政策への対応などの面で、貴重な財産になったのではないか。=== Avoid cozying up to DPJ We hope Komeito will rebuild itself by studying and drawing on its experiences as a ruling coalition party, which are formed of both good and bad aspects. 　功罪両面を持った連立与党経験を検証した上で、党再建につなげてもらいたい。Komeito likely will adopt an issue-by-issue stance toward the Democratic Party of Japan, but it must avoid the foolish act of snuggling up to the new administration without first considering its policies. 　民主党には、是々非々の姿勢で臨む方針のようだが、政策抜きで政権にすり寄る愚は避けなければなるまい。Komeito must act with courage in taking policies to the public, even if they might cause an increased burden, and convince them of the need for hard-to-sell policies rather than pandering to populism. 　大衆迎合に陥らず、痛みを伴う政策への理解を国民に求める勇気と説得力が必要だ。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 6, 2009) （2009年9月6日01時21分 読売新聞）

小沢民主幹事長　試される鳩山代表の統率力

Yomiuri Shinbun より抜粋翻訳、通訳、どちらも専門用語をしっかり覚えていなければ役目を果たせません。その意味で英和辞典も必要です。英英辞典だけにすべきだという人もいますが、達成目的によって使い分けるべきだと思います。大臣、ministers, 副大臣、vice ministers, 政務官、parliamentary secretaries, 大臣補佐官、advisers to ministerssecretary general、 幹事長専門用語は予習をしっかりしておかないと本番ではじをかくことになります。（スラチャイ）The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 5, 2009)Ozawa will test Hatoyama's mettle小沢民主幹事長　試される鳩山代表の統率力（9月5日付・読売社説）Acting Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa is set to become the party's secretary general, a crucial position at the heart of the administration to be inaugurated under prime minister in waiting Yukio Hatoyama. 　鳩山新政権の要である民主党幹事長に、小沢代表代行が就任することになった。Hatoyama, who is DPJ president, has been at pains to explain that he appointed Ozawa because he guided the DPJ to a landslide victory in the House of Representatives election Sunday. "We managed to win more than 300 seats thanks to Acting President Ozawa," Hatoyama said. 　鳩山代表は、「小沢代行のお陰で３００を超える議席を得た」として、衆院選を指揮した小沢氏の功労に応えたものと強調した。Of course, this cannot be the only reason for his appointment. 　無論、それだけではない。Hatoyama apparently plans to put Ozawa in charge of the DPJ campaign for next summer's House of Councillors election so the party can snatch a single-party majority in the upper house and form an administration that can hold sway over both chambers of the Diet. 　来年夏の参院選対策を引き続き小沢氏に委ね、参院でも単独過半数を制し、本格政権を樹立させる狙いだろう。The DPJ has grown into a political juggernaut holding a total of nearly 420 seats in the upper and lower houses. Hatoyama seems to believe that he needs the influence and experience of Ozawa, who once served as secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, to ensure all the members of the big party keep pulling in the same direction. 　民主党は、衆参両院で４２０近い議席を持つ大所帯になった。巨大政党を束ねるには、自民党でも幹事長を務めた小沢氏の力量と経験に頼らざるを得ない、との判断もあったとみられる。However, Ozawa's appointment as DPJ secretary general also has raised some concerns in the political arena. 　だが、小沢氏の起用には、懸念も指摘されている。=== New kids on the block The ranks of Ozawa supporters within the DPJ have swollen with the arrival of dozens of rookie candidates--dubbed "Ozawa kids" because he managed their nominations and campaign preparations--in the last election. Some observers have suggested Ozawa could end up wielding too much influence over the management of party affairs. 　「小沢チルドレン」とも言われる新人の大量当選で、グループ勢力を膨張させた小沢氏が、党運営で過大な影響力を行使するようになるのでは、というわけだ。Under LDP-led governments, the party held more influence over policy decisions than the administration did. However, the DPJ wants to reverse this balance and give more power to the envisaged administration. 　民主党は、自民党政権での「党高政低」的な政策決定を「政高党低」に変えたいようだ。However, achieving this goal will be no easy feat if Ozawa, who is a top party official but not a member of the envisaged cabinet, throws his weight around on policy decisions. 小沢氏が党の立場で政府の外側から力を行使しては、この目標の達成が困難になりかねない。Hatoyama quoted Ozawa as saying during their talks Thursday night that he would not, in principle, be involved in making policy decisions since the government is supposed to do that. 　鳩山代表によれば、３日の鳩山―小沢会談で小沢氏は、「政策はすべて政府が決定することになるので、私は基本的にはかかわらない」と述べたという。Ozawa's remark about his "nonintervention in policy decisions" emboldened Hatoyama enough to tell reporters that Ozawa's appointment would not create a dual system of power. But we have doubts about whether this will really be the case. 　この“政策不介入”発言を受けて、鳩山代表は、記者団に「権力の二重構造にはならない」と説明している。果たしてそうか。=== DPJ must stay united Hatoyama said a total of about 100 lawmakers would be allocated to government ministries and agencies as ministers, vice ministers, parliamentary secretaries, advisers to ministers and in other positions so the government can be the sole arbiter of policy decisions. 　鳩山代表は、政府による一元的な政策決定を図るため、各府省に大臣、副大臣、政務官、大臣補佐官など国会議員約１００人を配置するとしている。However, policies drafted by such lawmakers cannot be implemented unless they are written up as bills and pass both Diet chambers. Enacting bills requires the cooperation of the party--including the secretary general, who has responsibility over Diet affairs as part of party management. 　しかし、そこで政策を立案しても、それを法案化し衆参両院で成立させなければ実施できない。法案成立には、党運営の一環として国会対策に責任を持つ幹事長以下、党の協力が不可欠だ。Hatoyama has a responsibility to exercise firm leadership to keep Ozawa on a short leash so he does not run away with the party. 　鳩山代表は形はどうであれ、自らの責任と指導力で小沢氏の“独走”を防ぐことが肝要である。Meanwhile, preparations for the transition of power are running late. Even a brief intermission is impermissible in politics. Hatoyama should choose his lineup of key ministers as soon as possible. 　それにしても、政権移行の準備が遅れている。政治は一時の休止も許されない。主要閣僚の陣容は早く整えるべきだろう。Ozawa has been criticized in the past for his attitude and high-handed behavior, such as missing important meetings or refusing to provide detailed explanations. Ozawa will have to correct his ways if he is to become secretary general of the nation's largest party. 　小沢氏は普段、丁寧な説明を欠いたり、会議に出なかったり、その態度や姿勢が批判されてきた。最大政党の幹事長なら、これは改めなければなるまい。Now, more than ever, Ozawa will need to offer greater accountability over the scandal involving illicit donations from Nishimatsu Construction Co. that eventually led to the indictment of his government-funded secretary. 　公設秘書が起訴された西松建設違法献金事件では、従来以上に説明責任が求められる。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 5, 2009) （2009年9月5日01時16分 読売新聞）

鳩山対米外交　信頼構築へ言動が問われる

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 4, 2009)Actions speak louder than words on U.S. ties鳩山対米外交　信頼構築へ言動が問われる（9月4日付・読売社説）Words alone are not enough to build a relationship of trust between Japan and the United States. Actions also will be important for crafting deeper ties. 　日米の信頼関係を築くには、「言葉」だけでなく「行動」が肝心だ。During his telephone conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama, Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama said the Japan-U.S. security alliance remained the "foundation" of Japan's foreign policy. The two leaders also agreed that their nations would build future-oriented relations. Hatoyama echoed these comments during his meeting Thursday with new U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos. 　民主党の鳩山代表がオバマ米大統領との電話会談で「日米同盟が基軸」との意向を表明し、未来志向の関係を築くことで一致した。ジョン・ルース駐日大使との会談でも、日米関係の強化を確認した。A call from the U.S. president and a visit by the ambassador so soon after the DPJ's landslide victory in the House of Representatives election indicates that the U.S. government attaches great importance to ties with Japan but, at the same time, is concerned about the future bilateral relationship. 　民主党の衆院選勝利後早々の大統領からの電話や大使の表敬訪問は、米政府が日本を重視すると同時に、今後の日米関係を心配しているため、と見るべきだろう。These anxieties stemmed partly from Hatoyama's recent op-ed piece in The New York Times that caused a stir by expressing views that appeared to be critical of the United States. 　というのも、米紙に最近掲載された鳩山代表の論文が、「反米的だ」などと米側に受け止められ、波紋を広げているからだ。=== Article invited confusion The article, which was published in the newspaper's electronic version as a translated excerpt from an article originally carried in a monthly Japanese magazine, contained comments including, "Japan has been continually buffeted by the winds of market fundamentalism in a U.S.-led movement...Consequently, human dignity is lost," and Japan and other Asian nations "want to restrain U.S. political and economic excesses." 　論文には、「日本は米国主導の市場原理主義に翻弄(ほんろう)され続け、人間の尊厳が失われた」「米国の政治的、経済的行き過ぎは抑制したい」といった表現がある。Hatoyama later explained that he did not intend to espouse anti-U.S. views in the article. But it is undeniable that the article included expressions critical of the United States and, as a result, gave the impression it was anti-U.S. 　鳩山代表は「反米的な考え方を示したものでない」と説明する。だが、論文が米国批判を含み、結果的に「反米的」との印象を与えた事実は否定できない。Reaction in the United States also has been shaped by mounting distrust against DPJ policy planks such as opposition to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean and calls for reviewing the planned realignment of U.S. forces stationed in Japan. 　米側の反応の背景には、インド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動への反対や、在日米軍再編の見直しなど、従来の民主党の主張に対する不信感の蓄積もあるだろう。Hatoyama is no longer a mere opposition leader; he will soon become this nation's prime minister. He should remember that his remarks carry considerable weight. 　鳩山代表は、もはや単なる野党党首でなく、次期首相の立場だ。その発言の重みを自覚し、行動することが求められる。He should not simply stick to underlining differences between his party and the government and ruling parties, as he did while he was an opposition member. Rather, Hatoyama should commit himself to preserving policies that deserve to be kept in place and develop them into better ones. 　野党時代のように、政府・与党との違いを強調することばかりに固執すべきではない。継承すべき政策はしっかりと継承し、むしろ発展させる発想が大切だ。Hatoyama has a busy--and important--diplomatic schedule coming up. He is expected to hold his first summit meeting with Obama later this month around the time when a U.N. General Assembly meeting is to be held. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to visit Japan in October, and Obama is penciled in to visit Japan in November. 　今月下旬の国連総会に合わせた初の日米首脳会談、１０月にゲーツ国防長官来日、１１月にオバマ大統領来日と、重要な外交日程が続く。=== United stance needed Initially, Hatoyama might only be obliged to pay lip service to the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. But words by themselves will certainly not be enough over the long term. 最初は、日米同盟の重要性を「言葉」で確認すればいいが、それだけではすまされない。Tokyo and Washington face a raft of important issues that must be tackled together, such as the fight against terrorism, North Korea's nuclear ambitions, the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, and reviving the staggering world economy. What role will Japan play to resolve these issues? If the DPJ intends to end the refueling mission, it must present concrete alternative measures. 　テロとの戦い、北朝鮮の核、在日米軍再編、世界経済の回復など日米が連携して取り組むべき重要課題は多い。日本は、問題解決のためにどんな役割を果たすのか。例えば給油活動を中止するなら、具体的な代案を示すべきだ。During talks with the Social Democratic Party and the People's New Party aimed at striking a deal on forming a coalition, the DPJ proposed that pursuing a close and equal alliance with the United States be included as a policy in a consensus document among the parties. The DPJ apparently wants to make more demands of the United States than ever before. 　民主党は社民、国民新両党との連立政権協議で、「緊密で対等な日米同盟関係」を合意文書に盛り込むよう提案している。従来以上に米国に注文する狙いだろう。However, the party should not forget that, as long as it intends to be more willing to speak its mind, it must bear due responsibilities in the international community. 　だが、物を言う以上は、当然、日本が相応の国際的な責任を担う覚悟を忘れてはなるまい。Hatoyama's repeated verbal overtures seeking a relationship of trust with Obama will not amount to anything unless they are backed up with actions. 　鳩山代表が再三口にする「オバマ大統領との信頼関係」は、「行動」なしに実現しない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 4, 2009) （2009年9月4日01時28分 読売新聞）

連立政権協議　現実的な安保政策が不可欠だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 3, 2009)New coalition govt needs realistic security policy連立政権協議　現実的な安保政策が不可欠だ（9月3日付・読売社説）The Democratic Party of Japan, the Social Democratic Party and the People's New Party began talks Wednesday on forming a tripartite coalition government. 　民主、社民、国民新の３党が、連立政権樹立に向けた協議を始めた。However, before forming their coalition, it is vital that they reach a consensus over policy issues, as any outstanding ambiguities will lead to serious problems in the future. All three parties must be prepared to make necessary adjustments to their respective policies. 連立政権は政策の合意が前提となる。あいまいな合意は禍根を残す。十分な政策のすり合わせが肝要だ。The DPJ won an unprecedented 308 seats in Sunday's House of Representatives election, though it has less than a single-party majority in the House of Councillors. The DPJ is thus forging a coalition government with the SDP and the PNP in an apparent attempt to ensure policy measures are carried out in a stable manner. 　民主党は衆院で空前の３０８議席を獲得したが、参院では単独過半数に満たない。社民、国民新両党との連立を目指すのは、より安定した政権運営のためだろう。In previous coalition governments, there have been a number of cases in which small parties have stuck steadfastly to their individual policies to stress the significance of their existence within the government. However, this merely caused confusion. The DPJ should learn lessons from such precedents and be wary about making easy concessions. 　ただ、過去の連立政権では、少数政党が存在意義をアピールしようと、自らの主張に固執し、混乱した例も少なくない。安易な譲歩は禁物である。The SDP is demanding that a ruling coalition organ be established to review bills and other policies before they are approved by the Cabinet. Though this kind of body has existed in the past, it likely would cause problems this time around, as it would contradict the DPJ's policy to make its administration the sole arbiter vis-a-vis policy decisions. 　社民党は、法案などを閣議決定前に事前審査するための与党協議機関の設置を要求している。こうした機関は過去にも存在した。だが、今回、問題なのは、民主党が目指す「政策決定の政府への一元化」と矛盾することだ。Meanwhile, it is rumored that DPJ Acting President Ichiro Ozawa likely will be given an important post within the DPJ, but not as part of the Cabinet. However, Ozawa has many supporters and wields considerable influence, and if he has a large say in policy decisions, it would lead once again to a dual system of power. 　民主党の小沢一郎代表代行は入閣せず、党の要職にとどまる方向とされる。実力者の小沢氏が党内の支持勢力を背景に、政策決定面で強い影響力を持てば、「権力の二重構造」の再現になろう。=== Common policies The coalition talks are based on "common policies" for six items--including a freeze on the consumption tax rate--that the three parties agreed upon prior to the lower house election. 　連立協議は、３党が衆院選前に合意した、消費税率据え置きなど６項目の「共通政策」が土台となる。However, the real issues to be thrashed out during the talks are foreign and security policies. These topics were not included in the common policies because the parties' respective stances are so different. 焦点は、各党の立場の隔たりが大きく、共通政策に含まれなかった外交・安全保障政策だ。For example, the DPJ believes that Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels should continue their refueling mission in the Indian Ocean until January, but the SDP is demanding an immediate pullout. 　インド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動について、民主党は来年１月まで続ける考えだが、社民党は公約で即時撤退を求めた。In addition, the DPJ approves of the MSDF's antipiracy mission in waters off Somalia, while the SDP insists the Japan Coast Guard should be running the operation. 民主党はソマリア沖での海自の海賊対処活動を容認するが、社民党は海上保安庁への切り替えを主張する。The refueling mission represents Japan's sole contribution of personnel to international efforts against terrorism, and the nation's efforts are highly appreciated by the countries concerned. We believe it is a matter of course that this mission continue, even after January. 　給油活動は、「テロとの戦い」における日本唯一の人的支援策で関係国の評価も高い。本来、来年１月以降も継続すべきである。Furthermore, it is unrealistic for the JCG to take the place of the MSDF in the antipiracy mission in light of differences in their respective equipment and backup systems. 　海賊対策も、装備・体制面で海保への切り替えは非現実的だ。=== Wasted negotiations? A more pressing concern is that both the DPJ and the SDP have policies to review the plan to relocate U.S. forces in Japan. According to the plan, the transfer of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan to the shores of Camp Schwab in Nago, both in Okinawa Prefecture, would occur five years from now. 　より深刻な問題は、民主、社民両党がともに掲げる在日米軍再編の見直しだ。海兵隊普天間飛行場の沖縄県内移設は、あと５年で実現する段階にある。If this planned transfer is canceled, 13 years of negotiations between the Japanese and U.S. governments will have been for naught, and the return of the air station site to Japan will be deferred. In addition, a plan to relocate 8,000 marines to Guam--a measure aimed at alleviating burdens on people in the prefecture--would be scrapped. 　これを白紙に戻せば、１３年間の日米双方の努力が無に帰すうえ、飛行場返還は遠のく。在沖縄海兵隊８０００人のグアム移転という地元負担軽減策もなくなる。It is completely understandable that a U.S. State Department spokesman on Monday said Washington will never renegotiate the relocation plan. 　米国務省報道官が米軍再編について「再交渉しない」と言明したのは、十分理解できる。In the world of diplomacy, it is not possible under normal circumstances for one nation's desires to be completely realized. Therefore, the DPJ should never compromise its flexibility nor reduce its options in diplomatic affairs by sticking to the various stances it adopted as the opposition when it was criticizing the government. 　外交では、通常、自国の主張が１００％実現することはあり得ない。民主党は、政府批判に重点を置いた野党時代の主張にとらわれ、外交面での柔軟性と選択肢を自ら狭めるべきではあるまい。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 3, 2009) （2009年9月3日01時30分 読売新聞）

自民党再出発　後継総裁選びを急ぐべきだ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 2, 2009)Defeat leaves LDP at political crossroads自民党再出発　後継総裁選びを急ぐべきだ（9月2日付・読売社説）The Liberal Democratic Party has begun to choose a new party president to succeed Prime Minister Taro Aso, who has announced he will step down as party leader to take responsibility for the LDP's crushing defeat in Sunday's House of Representatives election. 　自民党は、衆院選大敗の責任を取って辞任表明した麻生首相の後継総裁選びに入った。Can the LDP play a role in a system in which power alternates between two major political parties? Can the LDP fulfill its role as an opposition party and keep a close eye on the administration led by Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama? The LDP still has serious responsibilities to live up to even after being relegated to the opposition benches. 　政権交代可能な２大政党政治の一翼を担っていけるか。鳩山政権に対し、しっかりチェック機能を果たせるか。野党に転落しても、自民党に課せられた責任は重大だ。The LDP must quickly select a new party president to lead its reconstruction. 　党再建にあたっては、その先頭に立つ後継総裁の選出を急ぐ必要がある。However, the LDP intends to put off the party presidential election until after mid-September when a special Diet session is to be called to elect the new prime minister. According to the LDP, the purpose is to listen to the opinions of the prefectural chapters and other local party organizations, and rank-and-file party members, and to reflect them in the party presidential election. But under such circumstances, LDP lawmakers will vote for the current prime minister and LDP president, Taro Aso, in the Diet session. 　ところが、自民党は、今月中旬の特別国会での首相指名選挙の後に総裁選を先送りするという。地方組織や一般党員の声を反映させるためとしているが、これでは首相指名選挙で、現総裁の麻生首相に投票することになる。It is a little pathetic that, even as a makeshift measure, the LDP will recommend as prime minster the party president who will step down from the post after voters said "no" to him in the general election. 　一時しのぎとは言え、有権者に「ノー」を突きつけられて退陣する党首を首相に推挙するというのは、余りにお粗末ではないか。=== Antipathy toward Aso Several LDP lawmakers oppose the postponement of the party presidential election, asserting that they would rather cast a blank ballot than have to write "Aso" in the Diet's vote on the prime minister. If the party falls into confusion, it could lead to a party split. The LDP should take the current situation seriously. 　党内でも、総裁選先送りに反発して、「『麻生』と書くぐらいなら白紙投票」と主張する議員が少なくない。混乱すれば党分裂の危機につながりかねない。状況を深刻に受け止めるべきだ。It is important to listen to the voices of members of local party chapters and other related organizations, but does the LDP have a month to spare to reflect these opinions in the party presidential election? 　地方党員、組織の声に耳を傾けるのは重要だ。しかし、地方の意見を後継総裁選びに反映させるのに、１か月近くかける余裕が、今の自民党にあるのだろうか。It took only about 10 days to choose a new party president when changing from former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa to Yohei Kono, and from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. It is time for the LDP to select a new party president as soon as possible and prepare to face the Hatoyama administration. 　過去の例をみても、宮沢首相から河野総裁、安倍首相から福田首相と、１０日前後で後継を選出している。１日も早く麻生首相に代わる旗頭を立て、鳩山政権に立ち向かう体制を整える時だ。Of course, when doing so, it is natural that the LDP should seek input from party chapters and members across the country and reflect those opinions in the efforts to reconstruct the party. 　無論、その際は、地方の意向を十分に反映させるのは当然だ。=== Party on the brink The LDP faces the greatest crisis since its foundation. Whether a leader who can clearly display his intentions and vision for party reconstruction will emerge is of paramount importance. Politicians who are always keeping an eye on the movements of party factions are not qualified to lead. 　自民党は今、結党以来最大の危機にある。肝心なのは、党再建の意志とビジョンを明確に示すリーダーが現れるかどうかだ。派閥の動向を様子見するようでは、リーダーの資格はない。To rebuild the party, it is indispensable to thoroughly review the reasons for its crushing defeat in the general election. 　再出発には、惨敗の原因を徹底して洗い出すことが必須だ。Although the direction of the party's fundamental principles and policies is not basically wrong, the market fundamentalism and excessive structural changes under the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi have invited the expansion of the income gap and economically exhausted provincial areas. It also is necessary to review the "theatrical politics," or sensationalist political approach seen under the Koizumi administration. 　党の理念や政策の方向性は基本的に間違ってはいないが、小泉政権時代の市場原理主義や行き過ぎた構造改革が、格差の拡大や地方の疲弊を招いた。「小泉劇場型政治」の総括も必要だろう。Some observers point out that the LDP has never been an organized political party because support groups for individual party lawmakers virtually act as party chapters. In addition, the LDP election campaign strategy, which has more and more come to rely on coalition partner New Komeito and Soka Gakkai, a lay Buddhist organization that is New Komeito's main supporter, has weakened the foundations of the LDP's original support bases. 　個人後援会を政党支部に衣替えしただけで、いまだに組織政党の体をなしていない、という指摘もある。公明党・創価学会に頼った選挙運動も、本来の支持基盤の足腰を弱めた。The public will be watching closely to see whether the LDP can make a strong comeback and regain control of the government. If the party remains stupefied for long, the reputation of the LDP, which had long been a ruling party, will be ruined. 　自民党が、政権奪還に向かって力強く再起できるかどうか、国民は注視している。いつまでも茫然(ぼうぜん)自失しているようでは、これまでの「政権党」の看板が泣く。(From the Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 2, 2009) （2009年9月2日01時41分 読売新聞）

政権移行始動　基本政策は継続性が重要だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 1, 2009)Continuity important for basic policies政権移行始動　基本政策は継続性が重要だ（9月1日付・読売社説）Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama has begun the process of launching a new administration. It is important for Hatoyama, first and foremost, to divide the policies pledged in the DPJ's manifesto into those that should be implemented immediately and those that the party should take time to fine-tune. 　民主党の鳩山代表が、新政権発足に向けて動き出した。　鳩山代表はまず、衆院選の政権公約のうち、直ちに実施すべき政策と、時間をかけて練り直すべき政策とを整理することが肝要だ。The DPJ has said that a new "national strategy bureau" that it will establish under the direct control of the prime minister will serve as a control tower for the government's budget compilation and foreign policy. 　民主党は、首相直属機関として新設する「国家戦略局」に、予算編成や外交政策などの司令塔の役割を与えるとしている。The central government ministries and agencies have submitted their respective budgetary requests for fiscal 2010 ahead of Monday's deadline. The DPJ, however, plans to review the budgetary request guidelines, which were approved by the Cabinet on July 1. 　来年度予算の概算要求は８月３１日に締め切られ、各省庁が要求を提出した。だが、民主党は、７月１日に閣議了解された概算要求基準を見直す方針だ。　◆補正組み替えは慎重に◆A total of 7.1 trillion yen will be needed in the next fiscal year to fund the child benefit program and other policies that the DPJ pledged in its manifesto. Although the DPJ has promised that an "administrative reform council," another new government body the DPJ plans to establish, will eliminate wasteful spending, can the necessary funds be squeezed out merely through belt-tightening measures? 　民主党が公約した子ども手当などの施策で、来年度に要する財源は７・１兆円だ。同じく新設される「行政刷新会議」で予算の無駄を排除していくというが、それだけで財源を捻出(ねんしゅつ)できるのか。The DPJ also is studying making savings by cutting some expenditures in the fiscal 2009 supplementary budget and appropriating the saved funds for the fiscal 2010 budget. But the party should deal carefully with the review of the supplementary budget, which is supporting the nation's economy. 　民主党は、今年度補正予算を組み替えることで財源を浮かせ、来年度予算に充当することも検討中だ。だが、景気を下支えしている補正予算の見直しは、慎重に対応しなければならない。Since the establishment of the national strategy bureau requires a revision of a related law, Hatoyama plans to first create a strategy office, which can be set up under a new government ordinance, and have it present the outline of the fiscal 2010 budget. Wasting time in creating the new organization, however, will end up delaying budget compilation. 　鳩山代表は、法改正が伴う国家戦略局新設の前に、政令などで設置できる「戦略室」で、来年度予算の大枠を示そうとしているが、組織作りに手間取ると、予算編成作業に遅れが出てしまう。Hatoyama should take to heart the importance of implementing economic measures speedily. 　景気対策はスピードが大事なことを肝に銘じてほしい。After being appointed prime minister at a special Diet session that is scheduled to be convened in the middle of this month, Hatoyama plans to visit the United States, where he will undertake summit diplomacy. 　鳩山代表は、今月中旬召集の特別国会で首相指名を受けた後、訪米し、首脳外交を展開する。Hatoyama is scheduled to attend summit-level meetings on climate change and nuclear nonproliferation at the United Nations in New York and address the U.N. General Assembly. He also is scheduled to attend the Group of 20 financial summit meeting in Pittsburgh. 　国連で開かれる気候変動や核不拡散の首脳級会合に出席し、国連総会で演説する。金融サミット（Ｇ２０）にも出席する予定だ。=== Emissions pledge unrealistic 　◆「２５％公約」は避けよ◆Observers, however, have already voiced concerns about how Hatoyama will handle a midterm target for reducing Japan's emissions of carbon dioxide and other global warming gases by the end of 2020. 　この首脳外交で早くも懸念されているのが、２０２０年までに二酸化炭素など温室効果ガスの排出量をどれだけ減らすかという中期目標の扱いだ。The DPJ has proposed that the emissions of such gases be reduced by 25 percent from the 1990 levels. 　民主党は公約で、「１９９０年比で２５％減」を掲げている。If Hatoyama, as prime minister, repeats the DPJ's pledge at the General Assembly meeting or any other key international meetings, it is possible that Japan will be required to meet this numerical target under a successor treaty to the 2008-12 Kyoto Protocol being negotiated for conclusion by the end of December. 　鳩山代表が首相として、この数値目標を国連総会などで表明すれば、１２月に交渉期限を迎える「ポスト京都議定書」では、最低でもこの削減目標が日本に割り当てられる可能性が高い。The goal of reducing gas emissions by 25 percent from the 1990 levels will not be attainable merely with halfhearted energy-saving efforts. It requires innovative technological development. But there are limits to what Japan can achieve. 　「９０年比２５％減」は、生半可な省エネ努力だけで達成できる数値ではない。革新的な技術開発が必要だが、限界があろう。Emissions cuts have economic side effects, such as downward pressure on gross domestic product, and damaging people's livelihoods. 排出削減には、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の押し下げなど経済への副作用と国民生活への痛みも伴う。The DPJ should take this power transfer as an opportunity to review the midterm target from a pragmatic perspective. At least, it should avoid the foolish act of constraining itself by presenting such a high target as an international pledge. 　民主党はこの際、現実的な視点で中期目標を見直すことが必要である。少なくとも、これを国際公約にして、自縄自縛に陥る愚は避けるべきだ。Hatoyama has stated that a DPJ-led administration will need to respect the need for continuity in diplomatic and security policies, to a certain extent. 　鳩山代表は、「外交・安保の継続性もそれなりに認める必要がある」と述べている。