Budget screening

Since the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) took over the governments as the Diet, a budget screening has been carried out for cutting wasteful spending. Last week, the Government Revitalization Units started the second round of discussion to screen state-funded programs.

According to polls, about 80% of Japanese are in favor of the budget screening, because the problems such as Amakudari, or the cozy relationships among Independent administrative institutions are visualized. In addition, we can monitor the proceedings through the media, or even observe it at the site. If the panel judge whether the programs should either be abolished, or have their budgets reduced, it is possible to lead to the practical budget cut.

However, others including school officials or some media are criticized its massive cut. DAILY YOMIURI says “medium- and long-term strategic perspectives are most important and should never take a backseat to a short-term cost-effusiveness view." Also, this budget screening is said to be a political performance of DPJ, because it’s public support is currently declining.

Although this budget screening is debated the pros and cons, I think it may be a good change to attract public attention to the budget spending.