Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

The enforcement of the supplementary budget relating to reconstruction
(Abridged)

REPORTER: Regarding the enforcement of the supplementary budget, in particular, in the sense of promoting effective reconstruction programs, can you please explain your views regarding the need for properly reviewing the program content and checking the enforcement status of the supplementary budget?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As there were various problems with the reconstruction budget, at the meeting of the Reconstruction Promotion Council in January, the Prime Minister instructed that the relevant ministries and agencies, including the Reconstruction Agency, take careful steps to ensure appropriate enforcement. Also, in order to ensure appropriate enforcement, the respective ministers are also being instructed to undertake thorough confirmations and develop measures which can be implemented quickly. We will take these steps while carrying out thorough verifications.

REPORTER: Chief Cabinet Secretary, related to this, you stated "appropriate enforcement" a moment ago. During the administration of the Democratic Party of Japan, for example, one of the problems was the diversion of the reconstruction budget, such as for road construction in places unrelated to the disaster area. In principle, by appropriate enforcement, is it correct to understand that you believe the use of the reconstruction budget should be restricted to the disaster area?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In principle, yes. However, there are slight exceptions for emergency locations. I tell ministers to prevent the occurrence of anything that would be totally unacceptable in the eyes of the people or would be subject to criticism.

(Abridged)