Press Conference by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae regarding the Dissolution of the House of Representatives

(Reporter)
I am Niida, with Kyodo News. My question for you is as follows.

Today, the House of Representatives was dissolved.

I would like to ask again what you as the Takaichi administration would like to communicate to voters.

Also, since this election campaign is taking place at the same time as warnings of heavy snowfall as well as entrance exam season, please tell us what kinds of responses the government plans to take. Thank you very much.

(Prime Minister Takaichi)
First, there are important policy shifts, including the approach of responsible and proactive public finances that the Takaichi Cabinet advocates, the fundamental reinforcement of security policies that we will advance going forward, and the fortification of the government's intelligence functions, including the establishment of a National Intelligence Bureau and other measures.

So it is my heartfelt desire to ask the people directly about whether we should proceed with working to build a new nation, including with regard to those issues.

And then, the number of seats currently held by each party in the House of Representatives was determined in the most recent election under a coalition government formed between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito.

This administrative framework has also now changed to a coalition between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party. The LDP's policies differ significantly from the policy pledges made by the LDP-Komeito coalition government in the last election.

In that sense, insofar as it will be primarily under this year's Diet that deliberations will be held on the major policy changes arising under this new administrative framework, I viewed it as incumbent on us to directly and straightforwardly seek a popular mandate from the people themselves, before that Diet convenes. It is exactly as the ancient saying goes: “Without trust, nothing can stand.”

After receiving a mandate from the people through the general election, we are committed to pressing forward vigorously with our change to the administrative framework as well as the major policy changes that follow from that.

You mentioned heavy snowfall. We are currently experiencing a continuation of a strong winter pressure system, with some areas receiving tremendous amounts of snow.

I issued instructions regarding this situation and we convened a Ministerial Council on the Heavy Snows. Having done that, we established an emergency response office, and we have been responding on a round-the-clock basis.

In addition, this election campaign comes at the very heart of winter. For those in snowy regions in particular, I am truly grateful for the considerable effort it will take to reach the polling stations, as there may be challenging conditions underfoot.

There is a possibility that severe cold may continue going forward, and as we work in cooperation with local governments and other relevant institutions, the national government will take all possible response measures, never letting down our guard, including with regard to the holding of this election.

Moreover, this election is being held at the same time as the entrance exam season. While I understand that this places a burden on those taking exams, this election is a highly important one that will decide the future of Japan, so I hope that examinees will be sure to go and cast their vote, including making use of early voting. That is all from me.