On the 25th, at a meeting marking the first anniversary of the death of the late Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives, Ishii Hiroki, Democratic Party leader Suga and author Inose Naoki clashed over the privatization of the Japan Highway Public Corporation.
The first to speak was Inose, who also serves as a member of the Japan Highway Public Corporation Privatization Promotion Committee. After introducing Ishii as a proponent of privatization, he criticized Ishii, saying, "Ishii's plan should have been the Democratic Party plan. He proposed making (highways) free for the election. It will only create a big government."
[asahi.com: politics]
It seems that "privatization" has become a banner for some people. But does "privatization" necessarily lead to greater efficiency? The key is to promote competition. Even if privatization were to occur, if monopoly or oligopoly would continue, it would be better not to privatize in many cases.
In particular, roads are facilities with large externalities, and they are not something that can be easily managed by the market. It is true that the current public corporation has big problems, but it does not seem that the problems will be solved by "privatizing" them. Rather, they may become prey for politicians and related organizations.
It is important not to be fooled by the word "privatization."