Shinzo Abe's importance in stemming Japan's economic decline over the last two decades cannot be overstated
The policy was decried by critics as having been tried before but, on the whole, it did more to stem Japan's post-1989 decline than anything that had been previously attempted.Man suspected of shooting Shinzo Abe arrested
On the fiscal side, things were less successful. Public spending was increased but the government's reluctance to increase borrowing resulted in a misguided decision to go ahead with a rise in consumption taxes from 5% to 8% that Mr Abe inherited from his predecessor. It had the effect, naturally enough, of dampening consumer spending and tipped the economy into another recession.
Unemployment halved during Mr Abe's term of office. Other reforms he made also helped. He pulled off two huge trade deals - one with the US and one with the EU - that benefited Japanese industry while the country's energy market was also liberalised, bringing down costs to consumers and businesses.Another key achievement was taking on Japan's powerful farming lobby - a key priority when Abenomics was launched - which also benefited consumers.
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