Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties

On November 25, 2024, Prime Minister Ishiba attended a Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In his opening remarks Prime Minister Ishiba said:

“Approximately two months have passed since I assumed the post of Prime Minister. It is extremely regrettable that both the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allied party and coalition partner Komeito lost seats for many talented people owing to the very harsh judgment passed by the people in the recent House of Representatives election.

We take seriously the fact that many of the public remain unconvinced about the series of ‘politics and money’ issues. In order to prevent the stagnation of national politics, we will push ahead with measures to restore trust, by encouraging lawmakers to continuously give as detailed explanations as possible in response to questions raised by the public, including in the Deliberative Council on Political Ethics.

Last week, we formulated at the LDP’s Political Reform Headquarters a policy that includes the abolition of policy activity expenses, the establishment of a third-party body to ensure the proper expenditure by political parties, and the creation of a database to improve searchability of political fund reports, among others, in order to implement necessary measures for the Political Funds Control Act and other laws within this year. In addition, concrete discussions have started in the House of Representatives regarding the allowance covering research, public relations, and accommodation expenses, or formerly called the document and correspondence allowance, toward the disclosure of its usage and return of any remaining funds. We will lead discussions with each party, including our allied party Komeito, so that we will fulfill our role as a responsible party.

Japan now faces the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war period. Reinforcing in a balanced manner our diplomatic and defense capabilities in tandem is a pressing issue to fully defend Japan. Under these circumstances, I will work on further strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is the lynchpin of Japan’s diplomacy and security, and enhancing collaboration with like-minded countries, through diplomacy grounded in realistic national interests.

Immediately after taking office, I participated in a series of multilateral, international conferences immediately since taking office, such as the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Laos in October, as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Peru and the G20 Summit in Brazil this month. I engaged in discussions on the enhancement of regional cooperation, hunger and poverty, and other global issues and strongly advocated Japan’s position.

On these occasions, I held individual meetings with the leaders of various countries, including President Biden of the United States, President Xi Jinping of China, President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea, and exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional situation, and other matters.

We will continue to proactively and ambitiously pursue summit diplomacy to protect the peace of Japan, further secure the stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Last week on November 22, we approved a ‘Comprehensive Economic Measures for the Security and Safety of the People and Sustainable Growth’ at a Cabinet meeting. This policy package positions as the highest priority issue increasing present and future wages and incomes of all generations, as its subtitle indicates, so that the people can feel that they have become more prosperous in their daily lives.

Thanks to the earnest efforts of Policy Research Council Chairperson Onodera, Policy Research Council Chair Okamoto, and all others concerned, we gained cooperation in this economic package across party lines, in addition to the LDP and Komeito. I would like to reiterate my appreciation.

Going forward, the Government will expeditiously formulate the supplementary budget and submit it to the extraordinary Diet session. I sincerely ask for your continued cooperation for the passage of the budget.

In steering the Government going forward, we need to continue to base our administration on cooperation between the LDP and Komeito, and, with the understanding of as many parties as possible, to work carefully and humbly to protect the safety and security of the people.

Let me conclude my remarks by making a heartfelt request for your support and effort. Thank you.”