Japan PM has political capital; will he use it?

Some pundits say that now is the time for Hatoyama to make some tough decisions about delaying costly spending programs — but with another election less than a year away and the economy at risk of slipping back into recession, many wonder if he will.

Support for Hatoyama's Cabinet slipped eight points to 63 percent in a Yomiuri newspaper poll published on Tuesday, while 85 percent of the 1,074 respondents said they'd rather see some campaign pledges broken than a rise in Japan's already huge debt.

“In terms of spending priorities, it might be possible to prepare public opinion for changes in details in the run-up to the upper house election,” said Sophia University's Koichi Nakano. “But it would be risky.

“Even if the majority agree some policies are not needed and are worried about public finances more than manifesto commitments, there is not necessarily agreement on what is not necessary,” he said.

Hatoyama's Democratic Party swept to a huge election victory in August pledging to cut wasteful spending and put more cash in the hands of consumers and workers to stimulate growth at home.

But falling tax revenues due to the fragile economy, and a public debt seen topping 200 percent of gross domestic product this year are making it hard to find funds.

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