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On April 5, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
Regarding the resignation of State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ichiro Tsukada, the Prime Minister said,
 
“There was a report from Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ishii that State Minister Tsukada offered his resignation, at his volition, and Minister Ishii wished to appoint Mr. Makino to replace him. The attestation ceremony took place earlier at the Imperial Palace.
 
State Minister Tsukada had expressed his intention to resign stating that the work of the Government should not be hindered by his statement. Minister Ishii respected Mr. Tsukada’s will.
 
People’s trust is of the utmost importance in the Government’s work. All ministers, state ministers, and parliamentary vice ministers must devote every effort to fulfill the mandate that has been entrusted to us by the public, taking this opportunity seriously to brace ourselves and straighten up.”
 
Furthermore, the Prime Minister also said,
 
“First of all, I had thought that it was important for him to stand before the Diet and fully explain himself. Based on that, he decided that there should be no delay to the Government’s work and Minister Ishii respected his will. Henceforth, we are determined to fulfill the mandate that has been entrusted to us by the public, bracing ourselves further.”
 
Lastly, the Prime Minister stated,
 
“No matter what the atmosphere was and whether it was related to the gubernatorial election, any politician must speak the truth on such occasions.”