After making action by the Bank of Japan a centerpiece of its past election agendas, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's party made no reference to monetary policy in its campaign platform for the Upper House election next month.
Documents released by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday don't mention the BOJ or monetary policy, in stark contrast to platforms issued before the last three national elections from 2012 to 2014. The Upper House poll is scheduled for July 10.
Economists say the dramatic shift signals a reluctance to emphasize BOJ policy amid criticism over its negative rate strategy from lawmakers and households. It also supports the view of economists who project no further easing at the next policy meeting on June 15 and 16.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.