Friday, December 12, 2008

Press Conference by Prime Minister Taro Aso

Prime Minister Taro Aso held a press conference on "emergency measures to defend people's daily lives" at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the press conference, Prime Minister Aso explained the government's efforts to save employment and countermeasures against companies' cash-flow problems, and announced principles on formulation of the proposed second supplementary budget of fiscal 2008 and the proposed principal fiscal 2009 budget. 　

Prime Minister Aso elaborated the efforts to save employment, saying, "In fiscal 2009, we will undertake a reduction of unemployment insurance premiums and a review of the benefit levels, measures to maintain the jobs of non-regular workers and others, and new forms of assistance for those seeking re-employment." On the mid-term programme on social security, the Prime Minister said, "In order to mobilize fiscal spending in a bold manner, fiscal responsibility over the mid-term also has to be shown clearly. And because the state of fiscal responsibility is demonstrated, bold fiscal outlays become possible. I believe that bold measures to stimulate the economy on the one hand, and preparations for increasing the burden through the consumption tax in order to enhance the safety of the social security system on the other, are required. I intend to pursue the goal of enhancing the assurance provided by social security without evading the challenge and by being honest. I hereby request further understanding by members of the public."

Related Link

• "Emergency measures to defend people's daily lives" [PDF]
• Press Conference by Taro ASO, Prime Minister (December 12, 2008)