To the deflationary spiral however now because theres a strong trend of Wage Increases, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki says its over. Joining me now is seijiro takeshita, whos a professor at the university of shizuoka. Thank you for being with us today. Talk to us first of all, this is a pretty unique set of circumstances that japan has pretty unique set of circumstances thatjapan has been pretty unique set of circumstances that japan has been through for the past generation. It is todays Declaration Calls for celebration . Yes, i would think so. Concerning the fact that for two decades, we havent seen any wage rise. Where the only country to do that. There are a lot of recurring profits, bits nine redeeming to their employees. This is, in that sense, a remarkable change. In most of the estimates, there were around 4 , but now its been reported to be around 5. 2, exceeding expectations. fist been reported to be around 5. 2, exceeding expectations. Been reported to be around 5. 2, ex
If no candidate wins more than 50 in the first round. But with many of mr putins opponents unable to run, it seems inevitable that Vladimir Putin will be re elected without the need for that second ballot. Our russia editor, steve rosenberg, is following developments in moscow. Vladimir putin has been in power a long time, right, 25 years almost as president or Prime Minister. And hes expected to win a fifth president ial term. Now, this whole event, this three day event, which starts today, is being presented by the russian authorities almost as a celebration of democracy. The kremlin just a few days ago described russian democracy as the best democracy in the world. Critics of the kremlin would disagree and would say that this poll is neither free nor fair nor transparent. Vladimir putin does not face a major challenge. There are three other candidates on the ballot paper, but his most vocal critics, his fiercest opponents, are either in exile or in prison, which kind of helps you to