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The Prime Minister in Action
Liaison Meeting of Vice-Ministers
September 18, 2020
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (5)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (6)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (7)
[Provisional Translation]
On September 18, 2020, the Prime Minister attended a Liaison Meeting of Vice-Ministers at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“I am SUGA Yoshihide, appointed as the 99th Prime Minister. Since the inauguration of the second Abe administration, I have worked on crucial issues that influence the future of Japan as Chief Cabinet Secretary.
From the beginning of this year, we have been facing the spread of the novel coronavirus and the greatest economic decline since the end of the War. I ask every vice-minister to give their all to their work in this critical moment for our country.
As I stated in the Basic Policy, the greatest priority issue we should address right now is the response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We should absolutely prevent an explosive spread of infections and protect the lives and health of the public.
On top of that, it is necessary to sustain the daily lives of the citizens, by balancing socioeconomic activities with countermeasures. As the issues are piling up, there are still many things that differ from the common sense of the people or, in that sense, are unusual. I would like you to never overlook them, listen closely to the voices on the ground, and thoroughly consider what is in line with common sense.
I ask the vice-ministers, the national public servants in charge of the management of their respective ministries, to take the initiative and advance bold regulatory reforms, tearing down bureaucratic sectionalism, vested interests, and the notorious habit of following past precedent.
I ask the national public servants, including each vice-minister, to take pride in being government professionals, make proposals proactively, and act boldly in their respective fields, based on Cabinet policy and the directions from the Ministers.
I ask each and every one of you to exercise your abilities and address the work for the nation and the people of Japan. I have high hopes for your performance.”
