Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > June 2014 > Thursday, June 26, 2014 (AM)
Thursday, June 26, 2014 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- The measure concerning the temporary benefits
- The issue of sexist heckling in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly session
REPORTER: Today, a liaison meeting was held on the measure concerning the temporary benefits following the raising of the consumption tax rate. Can you once again tell us what this measure aims to accomplish? What are your expectations?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In April this year, the consumption tax was increased to 8%. In consideration of the impact of the tax on people with low incomes, and to alleviate any impacts on child-rearing households, the Government has decided to make two temporary benefits as a provisional measure and to help support consumer spending. From this month, municipalities have gradually begun accepting applications for the two temporary benefits. I would like the Government to work in solidarity to promote these benefits.
(Abridged)
REPORTER: I have a question about the sexist heckling in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly session. Yesterday, a resolution on regaining trust and preventing future recurrences was voted down by the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, while another resolution demanding those who heckled be identified was also voted down after opposition from the LDP and other parties. The other day, you asked the assembly to seriously resolve this issue by itself. Do you think the assembly has accomplished resolving this issue?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I noted the other day, heckling in a manner constituting sexual harassment is totally unacceptable in any situation. In particular, the Abe administration is aiming for "a society in which all women shine." From that perspective, I find such sexist heckling to be truly regrettable. However, as this is an issue relating to a regional assembly, I would like to refrain from commenting on behalf of the Government. Nonetheless, these were clearly inappropriate remarks, and those who made them should take full responsibility.
(Abridged)
