消費税減税に否定的　菅長官

　菅義偉官房長官は３日の記者会見で、経済対策としての消費税減税に関し「昨年１０％に（税率を）引き上げた際、約２兆円を幼児教育や大学の無償化に当てている。消費税は社会保障のために必要なものだ」と述べ、否定的な考えを示した。（2020/09/03-12:18）

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the front-runner in the upcoming ruling party leadership election, on Thursday sounded negative about the idea of reducing the consumption tax rate as a measure to shore up the economy.
   Proceeds from last October's consumption tax hike to 10 pct from 8 pct were allocated to cover the costs of free preschool and university education, Suga said at a press conference. "Revenue from the consumption tax is crucial for social security measures," he added.
   The Japanese economy has been faltering due to the fallout of the novel coronavirus crisis. According to preliminary government data released last month, the country's seasonally adjusted gross domestic product in April-June plummeted a real 27.8 pct on an annualized basis from the preceding quarter, posting the biggest drop in the postwar period.
   Suga said that realignment "could be one option" for regional banks in the nation, while noting, "It's up to each bank to make a management decision."
   "Regional banks, which have been in a tough business environment due to population falls, need to enhance their business foundations by promoting management reforms in order to make contributions to local communities," he said.