ID :
182257
Sun, 05/15/2011 - 17:48
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/182257
The shortlink copeid
2 in 3 back Kan's request to halt nuclear plant: Kyodo poll
TOKYO, May 15 Kyodo -
Prime Minister Naoto Kan's recent unprecedented request to shut down the Hamaoka nuclear power plant received the backing of 66.2 percent in a Kyodo News poll released Sunday, while 47.0 percent supported the idea of reducing the number of nuclear reactors in the country.
The weekend telephone poll also showed that those who believe Kan should quit immediately has fallen to 17.5 percent, down 6.1 points from the previous poll in April, while the approval rating for the Cabinet stands at 28.1 percent, up 1.3 points.
The percentage of people who do not support the Cabinet remained high, however, at 57.4 percent.
On the Hamaoka plant, which Chubu Electric Power Co. halted for safety reasons Saturday following Kan's request, 29.7 percent said they did not support the premier's action.
While a significant number of respondents called for a reduction in nuclear plants, 57.9 percent approved the government's policy of not shutting down nuclear plants other than the Hamaoka complex, apparently reflecting public concern about possible power shortages.
With regard to the ongoing government efforts to help the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and reconstruct devastated areas, 50.4 percent were critical while 47.5 percent expressed approval, down from 57.9 percent for a similar question in March.
The poll showed 66.5 percent oppose a possible hike in electricity charges to help cover compensation costs stemming from the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, while 29.8 percent said they would support such a hike.
Asked about the idea of a tax increase to fund reconstruction following the quake and tsunami, 50.3 percent supported the idea while 46.6 percent opposed it.
To a question allowing multiple responses, the highest percentage of those who approve of a possible tax hike, 40.3 percent, said the hike should consist of a rise in the 5 percent consumption tax rate and an increase in income tax.
The poll covered 1,013 eligible voters, excluding those residing in some areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures that were hit particularly hard by the disaster.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan's recent unprecedented request to shut down the Hamaoka nuclear power plant received the backing of 66.2 percent in a Kyodo News poll released Sunday, while 47.0 percent supported the idea of reducing the number of nuclear reactors in the country.
The weekend telephone poll also showed that those who believe Kan should quit immediately has fallen to 17.5 percent, down 6.1 points from the previous poll in April, while the approval rating for the Cabinet stands at 28.1 percent, up 1.3 points.
The percentage of people who do not support the Cabinet remained high, however, at 57.4 percent.
On the Hamaoka plant, which Chubu Electric Power Co. halted for safety reasons Saturday following Kan's request, 29.7 percent said they did not support the premier's action.
While a significant number of respondents called for a reduction in nuclear plants, 57.9 percent approved the government's policy of not shutting down nuclear plants other than the Hamaoka complex, apparently reflecting public concern about possible power shortages.
With regard to the ongoing government efforts to help the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and reconstruct devastated areas, 50.4 percent were critical while 47.5 percent expressed approval, down from 57.9 percent for a similar question in March.
The poll showed 66.5 percent oppose a possible hike in electricity charges to help cover compensation costs stemming from the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, while 29.8 percent said they would support such a hike.
Asked about the idea of a tax increase to fund reconstruction following the quake and tsunami, 50.3 percent supported the idea while 46.6 percent opposed it.
To a question allowing multiple responses, the highest percentage of those who approve of a possible tax hike, 40.3 percent, said the hike should consist of a rise in the 5 percent consumption tax rate and an increase in income tax.
The poll covered 1,013 eligible voters, excluding those residing in some areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures that were hit particularly hard by the disaster.
