• 
• 

 
On November 12, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“On Sunday, under a cloudless and calm blue autumn sky, the Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi, (Imperial Procession by motorcar after the Ceremony of the Enthronement) took place in a grand manner. I saw for myself so many people gathered on the streets, along the route from the Imperial Palace to the Akasaka Imperial Residence, all waving their hands and Japanese flags with beaming smiles as the procession passed by. I too was very moved by this. I would like to once again celebrate the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor with the people of Japan.
 
There have been successive resignations of ministers, whom I appointed, in a little over a month since their appointment. I feel extremely sorry towards the people and am fully aware of my responsibility as the one who appointed them. I immediately appointed their succeeding ministers; I am determined to fulfill my responsibility to the people by exerting every effort to advance policies and implement them so that there will be no delay in the Government’s work. Furthermore, the Government is asking the Diet for a series of deliberations over important bills and treaties. Over the remaining session, the Cabinet as a whole will brace itself once again and work to pass them with a greater sense of discipline. I ask the ruling parties for your continued support.
 
With respect to the series of damages caused by heavy rains and gale winds, including those of Typhoon No. 15* and No. 19**, the restoration of community infrastructure and other works are being advanced rapidly with unified and dedicated efforts together with the local governments affected by the disasters. Last week, we compiled a policy package towards the rebuilding of lives and ‘nariwai’ (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people’s daily lives), aiming at accelerating the efforts, which finely meet the needs of the affected areas and their characteristics. As the first step to implement these measures immediately, the Cabinet also decided to disburse over 130 billion yen of contingency funds. In addition, I also instructed the formulation of a new economic policy package and compilation of a supplementary budget for implementation to extend seamless support for the recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas as early as possible, and full preparation for the downside risks, including trade friction between the United States and China. By implementing macroeconomic policies, which look to the future beyond next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in a timely manner, I intend to solidify the recovery trend of the Japanese economy. Moving forward, I would like to work on the formulation of the package and budget, collaborating with the ruling parties. I ask for your understanding.
 
The Rugby World Cup 2019, which saw heated matches played around Japan, concluded recently with great excitement. The Japan national rugby union team reached the last eight for the first time ever. Everyone in Japan was moved by seeing the players continuing to get up each time they were knocked down, working together to pass the ball and advancing inexorably forward. I intend to fulfill the mandate given to us by the people, with the Government and the ruling parties forming a scrum and addressing numerous policy agenda that we face at home and abroad, as “One Team.” I would like to ask for your continued support.”
 
*Typhoon Faxai
**Typhoon Hagibis