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On June 12, 2020, the Prime Minister spoke to the press at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Regarding the enactment of the second supplementary budget for FY2020, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, the second supplementary budget was enacted. I would like to offer my appreciation to all the members of the ruling and opposition parties who supported its early enactment.

In the midst of what has been called a once-in-a-century crisis, we will protect the Japanese economy with measures that amount to a scale of 230 trillion yen and reach 40% of gross domestic product (GDP). When combined with the previously enacted supplementary budget, this will be the largest in the world. Regarding the Sustainability Subsidy (Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses) that provides up to 2 million yen for business operators, we have already disbursed 1.9 trillion yen in cash to around 1.4 million small- and medium-sized business operators in just over one month. What is needed, for those who are gritting their teeth and working diligently in a very severe situation, is speed. Regarding the support to cover personnel costs at businesses that are temporarily closed, with this second supplementary budget, we will increase the subsidies to 15,000 yen per day, which is the highest level in the world. The budget also contains a rent subsidy of up to 6 million yen. We intend to protect business continuity, employment and people’s livelihoods by delivering these supports as swiftly as possible.

Furthermore, we will provide benefits of up to 200,000 yen to healthcare professionals who worked hard on the front lines of the response to the disease and workers giving their all at nursing facilities. In addition, we will enhance and strengthen our medical and screening structures in preparation for the next wave of infections. At the same time, we will promote the development of vaccines and therapeutic medication. We will make all possible preparations against a subsequent wave of infections, taking this opportunity of the spread of infections settling down.

It has been nearly three weeks since we lifted the state of emergency. We have seen all-out efforts to resume socio-economic activities, while taking the utmost care to prevent infections. This supplementary budget is also aimed at creating a new normal for everyday life in the age of the coronavirus. While the severe situation continues to exist, we would like to overcome this situation by obtaining the cooperation of the people.”

Responding to questions from reporters, the Prime Minister said,

“Secretary-General Nikai of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) reported to me that the Federation of Tokyo Metropolitan LDP Branches and the Party Headquarters held a consultation and decided on the matter as what you have just mentioned. I would like to respect the decision of the Party Headquarters and that of the Federation of Tokyo Metropolitan LDP Branches. Ms. KOIKE Yuriko, Governor of Tokyo, is exerting every effort to protect the citizens of Tokyo during the coronavirus pandemic. What is important is that the government and local governments work as one to overcome this situation.”

“In this Diet session, there have been various points raised even at the Budget Committee and other committees. Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kajiyama has been providing explanations in earnest on these points. Most important is to deliver the relevant support to those who need it expeditiously with a sense of urgency. There is no arguing that there must not be waste and it must be efficient. We, of course, must execute it in a disciplined manner.”

“In the recent prefectural assembly election (in Okinawa), the LDP has managed to increase its seats significantly. We must avoid the indefinite use of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma by any means. We would like to complete the relocation of MCAS Futenma, which is said to be one of the most dangerous airfields in the world, at the earliest date possible.”