Prime Minister Naoto Kan called again Wednesday for the opposition camp to support the budget and related bills in the Diet, saying failure to do so will put the economic recovery at risk.
"While the economy is recovering, the most important issue for the livelihoods of the people is to pass and implement the budget," Kan said in a one-on-one debate with Liberal Democratic Party President Sadakazu Tanigaki.
However, chances remain slim that the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration can secure the two-thirds majority in the Lower House needed to override veto action by the opposition-controlled Upper House — a necessary step to clear budget-related bills without thorough revisions.
Kan slammed Tanigaki's demand that he dissolve the Lower House for a snap election, calling the LDP chief irresponsible.
"Do you really think dissolving (the chamber) without clearing the budget will have a positive effect on the people?" Kan asked. "You should act in a responsible manner."