Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japanese domestic politics

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The dissolution is happening when we are about to face the harsh winter. In terms of reconstruction, I believe creating a political vacuum will impose a large burden on the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake who are still evacuating. What are your thoughts in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Although the term "political vacuum" is often used, it is not at all as though the Government becomes nonexistent. The Government, for its part, is taking steady steps toward reconstruction. Procedures will be implemented in sequence for the disposal of debris or decontamination or other issues. As you are aware, dissolution means that the House of Representatives will be dissolved and that elections will be held. There is of course still the House of Councillors. That said, naturally, I do believe the Government should devise ways to ensure as much as possible that the peoples' lives and the people in East Japan are not inconvenienced.

(Abridged)