Press Conference by Prime Minister Ishiba regarding the Passing of the Supplementary Budget for FY2024 and Other Matters

(On Prime Minister Ishiba’s reaction to the enactment of the supplementary budget for FY2024, which finances his administration’s first economic package and passed both chambers of the Diet with the support not only of the coalition bloc, which lacks a majority in the House of Representatives, but also of some opposition parties.)

Against the backdrop of the so-called hung parliament, we, as a minority government, held a series of positive discussions. Thanks to the cooperation of many people in both the ruling and opposition parties, we were able to have constructive sessions. Although there were naturally both pros and cons regarding the Government’s positions, I am extremely grateful to see the budget eventually passed by the Diet.

I made every effort to provide careful and detailed explanations, and many of the questions posed during the sessions were to the point. Now that the supplementary budget has been enacted, we will continue working toward its early implementation with the cooperation of local municipalities, ensuring that its benefits are felt by every citizen. I also ask for the active cooperation of the citizens themselves. Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed in various ways to the enactment of the budget. Thank you very much.

(On Prime Minister Ishiba’s reaction to today’s discussion with the Democratic Party for the People, which lasted only ten minutes and failed to reach a consensus on the proposed revision of disincentives for second earners regarding their annual income—known as the “barrier of 1.03 million yen”—that would raise the current threshold of 1.03 million yen to a higher level; and whether he foresees any possibility of the discussion ultimately breaking down as the deadline for an outline of the ruling parties’ tax reform proposal approaches)

I have no idea. However, we believe we have acted sincerely and hope that the discussion will continue despite the various perception gaps that may have surfaced. We remain committed to providing sincere responses.