TOKYO - The extraordinary session of the Diet has closed, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi using a press conference to highlight what she described as concrete achievements by her administration.
Takaichi said the government had worked decisively to address rising prices facing the public, arguing that measures were pursued with a strong sense of urgency. “We made responding to the surge in prices confronting the people our highest priority and worked boldly on that front. I believe we were able to move forward with considerable speed,” Takaichi said.
She stressed that Japan should not weaken its national strength through excessive fiscal austerity, asserting instead that proactive fiscal policy was essential to reinforce the country’s economic foundations. Takaichi said building a strong economy would help turn public anxiety over livelihoods and the future into a sense of hope.
Addressing her earlier remarks related to a potential contingency involving Taiwan, Takaichi reiterated that her comments did not represent a change in the government’s longstanding position.
On a bill submitted during the extraordinary session by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party to reduce the number of seats in the House of Representatives, Takaichi said it was “deeply regrettable” that the proposal was not even taken up for deliberation. She indicated her intention to seek opposition parties’ understanding and aim for its passage during the regular Diet session beginning early next year.
Asked whether she was considering dissolving the House of Representatives to stabilize her administration, Takaichi deflected the question, saying there were “a mountain of urgent tasks” that must be addressed first, leaving no time to contemplate such a move.
Source: FNN
