Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first meeting of the Administrative Reform Promotion Council at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Administrative Reform Promotion Council was established under the Headquarters for the Promotion of Administrative Reform with an aim to research and examine important matters in administrative reform.

At this meeting, opinions were exchanged on issues such as the eradication of waste, the reform of the special account system, the reform of independent administrative agencies, and other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I consider it is a critical effort to be engaged in administrative reform and win the people's trust in the government.
The Abe Cabinet is determined to carry forward the creation of a "new Japan" led through true political leadership, which is based on mutual trust between the government and bureaucrats. Consequently, we are considering to actively work on administrative reform, improve administrative functions, and increase policy effectiveness as much as possible.
As for this Administrative Reform Promotion Council, holding its first meeting today, I expect to assume the central role in such administrative reform.
From now on, the Council will make efforts under a broad range of themes including reconsideration of the separation of roles among the national and local governments and the private sector, and thorough implementation of the work review. In the immediate term, the Council will make specific considerations on three areas, namely (1) eradication of waste, (2) reform of the special account system, and (3) reform of independent administrative agencies.
I believe that the experts have already been exchanging their opinions actively. The experts here all have deep insights and broad experience concerning the ideal state of administration and the operation of an organization. I am willing to hear your frank opinions.
The entire Cabinet will carry forward the administrative reform based on the discussion in this Council."