Proposed amendment budget for IR invitation Passed by the Yokohama City Council

The Yokohama City Council voted a revised budget plan for attracting IR = integrated resort facilities, including casinos, and was approved by the majority of the LDP and Komeito. While there are strong opposition among the citizens, preparations for attracting will be in full swing.

Yokohama City submitted a revised budget plan including 260 million yen related to IR invitation to the city council, which was passed by the committee on the 17th of this month.

At the plenary session on the 20th, each sect expressed their opinions before the vote, and the Liberal Democratic Party in favor of attracting IR said, “We can expect a bright future and improved welfare by increasing tax revenues. We should judge after seeing concrete plan whether it brings good luck. "

Similarly, the Komeito, who is in the same position, said, “As the population declines and super-aged society advances, it is necessary to secure various financial resources to maintain citizen services, and IR is important.” I asked.

On the other hand, the denominations of the Constitutional Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party, which are opposed to the attraction, said, “If you rely on casino resources, the finances of Yokohama itself will become gambling addendum. Citizens don't want it. "

The Communist Party, who also opposes, “The mayor should be the first thing to listen to citizens' public opinion. IR does not lead to regional revitalization and eating and drinking in the facility. The mayor should cool his head and reconsider.” Asked for withdrawal.

After that, a vote was made, and while the voices of the opposition from the audience seats flew, the budget proposal was approved by the majority of the LDP and Komeito.

In response to this, Yokohama City is planning to make full-scale preparations for attracting such as formulation of implementation policies and selection of companies in the future, but it will be asked how to face the persistent opposition voice among the citizens. It seems to be.

Citizens around the city hall protest against the invitation

Citizens who opposed the invitation showed their will to protest around the city hall before the draft of the budget for attracting IR = integrated resort facilities, including casinos, was voted by the Yokohama City Council. .

About 400 citizens gathered at the city hall of Yokohama were surrounded by the government building, which is about 500 meters in one round.

And he showed his willingness to protest with a placard that says, “No casino in Yokohama” or “Listen to the public.”

A 70-year-old woman who participated said, “The invitation of IR was suddenly announced and the voice of the citizens was neglected. I would like the city council to expect responses based on the citizens' thoughts.”

According to civic groups, citizens are calling for a referendum and Mayor Fumiko's recall, and there are moves to prepare for signing activities.

Mayor Hayashi “Explaining firmly”

Mayor Fumiko Hayashi of Yokohama City received the vote in the city council, “I want to explain to the citizens firmly because I got a resolution. I have reaffirmed that there are various concerns and concerns. I want to do it with responsibility such as security measures. "

When asked whether he received public will by passing, he stated that “passing through the dual representation system does not deny that it was passed”.