The Liberal Democratic Party’s second in command indicated that the LDP will raise the nation’s consumption tax during fiscal 2007 in order to finance social security programs.

Asked by a moderator on a Fuji TV program whether the LDP’s election manifesto means the consumption tax — currently at 5 percent — will be hiked in the year starting in April 2007, LDP Secretary General Tsutomu Takebe said, “Yes.”

The LDP now has to consider the margin of increase, the party’s No. 2 man said.

Apparently, the thought of cutting costs has not occurred to the ruling party. Perhaps they need to maintain budget levels so they can ensure a steady supply of luxury ashtrays. . .