Key Facts
• June 17: City council in Suzaka, Nagano, begins general questioning session.
• Suzaka excluded from Japan’s Hometown Tax Program due to gift origin fraud.
• Proposed budget cuts: ¥34.5 billion reduction, mainly in construction projects.
• Councilor Shuji Iwata warns of significant economic impact on Suzaka.
• June 13: Ministry of Internal Affairs announces Suzaka’s exclusion from the program.
• Councilor Yoshihiro Nakajima criticizes reliance on unstable tax revenue.
• Mayor Masao Miki highlights nationwide financial struggles among municipalities.
• Mayor proposes salary reduction ordinance as accountability measure.
• Councilor Iwata suggests leadership change to rebuild public trust.
• Citizens describe the situation as a “critical moment” for financial management.
• General questioning in the June session continues until June 20.
Summary
Suzaka City, Nagano, faces financial challenges after being excluded from Japan’s Hometown Tax Program due to a gift origin fraud issue. The city council began its June session on June 17, focusing on the ¥34.5 billion budget cut proposal, primarily affecting construction projects. Councilors expressed concerns about the economic impact and criticized the city’s reliance on unstable tax revenue. Mayor Masao Miki acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by municipalities nationwide and proposed a salary reduction ordinance as a measure of accountability. Some councilors called for leadership changes to restore public trust. Citizens view this as a pivotal moment for the city’s financial management. The session will continue until June 20.
