National News

Abe draws fire for high wages figure

音声ダウンロード

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has drawn public criticism over remarks he made Jan. 8 that critics say show he is out of touch with the plight of the middle class.

Speaking during a budget meeting, Abe tried to make a point about the decline in real wages by talking about "the Abes," a family where the husband earns ¥500,000 a month, and the wife starts working part-time earning ¥250,000.

Critics said the figures were too high. Part-timers earn an average ¥96,638, according to the labor ministry, while full-time workers earn ¥352,094. (The Japan Times)

安倍首相、賃金をめぐる答弁で反発を招く

安倍晋三首相は1月8日の衆院予算委での答弁で、例え話としてパートで働き始めた妻の月収が25万円だと述べ、社会の実態に無理解すぎるという批判を浴びた。

The Japan Times ST: January 22, 2016