Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the extraordinary Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved general measures, namely, the Government’s statement and a measure concerning the voting date and the starting date of the official campaign for the general election of the House of Representatives, as well as personnel decisions. The Government’s statement is as shown in the material you have received. With regard to the general election of the House of Representatives, it was set out that the election will be conducted on December 14 and that the official campaign will start with a proclamation of the election in the official gazette (Kanpo) dated December 2. With regard to statements by ministers, Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on overseas visits.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, I made a statement concerning matters to consider with regard to the Abe Cabinet’s crisis management following the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

Q&As

• The dissolution of the House of Representatives

REPORTER: What did the Prime Minister say during today’s Cabinet meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister did not make any statements in particular during this afternoon’s extraordinary Cabinet meeting. During this morning’s Cabinet meeting, as you all may expect, the Prime Minister spoke about the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

REPORTER: Can you please elaborate?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government’s statement has been distributed to you. The statement the Prime Minister made this morning shares many points with the Government statement in front of you now.

REPORTER: You said earlier that you made a statement concerning matters to consider with regard to crisis management. What exactly do these matters entail?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I asked the Cabinet members and ministers, state ministers, and parliamentary vice-ministers to fully coordinate with each other and ensure there are no lapses in the event of a crisis.

REPORTER: A short while ago, Ms. Yuko Obuchi, former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, expressed hopes of running in the next House of Representatives election as an official candidate of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). You have always stated that Ms. Obuchi should achieve accountability. What are your thoughts on Ms. Obuchi’s run for a seat when it seems she has not yet achieved accountability?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I, in my capacity as spokesperson of the Government, would like to refrain from commenting. I naturally expect all candidates will be seeking the judgment of the voters by clearly outlining their respective positions, views, principles, and assertions. I imagine that Ms. Obuchi herself will be explaining the issue in question.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Ms. Obuchi resigned her ministerial post due to the issue of “politics and money.” Do you not have any concerns that Ms. Obuchi’s run for a seat as an LDP-backed candidate will raise public mistrust towards the LDP?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is for the party to determine.

REPORTER: With the dissolution, you yourself will be running in the election. Can you share with us your goals or your hopes for the election?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: For approximately two years since the inauguration of the Abe government, we have promoted economic policies centered on Abenomics, the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as measures to deal with the challenging security environment surrounding Japan. In addition, a Japan-China summit meeting was held recently. My platform will focus on these efforts, as well as our efforts to make the benefits of Abenomics felt in local communities, efforts to vitalize local economies so that the benefits reach small- and medium-sized enterprises, and efforts to create a society in which women shine.

REPORTER: In light of what you just stated, what name would you ascribe to this dissolution election?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am sure there are various views. Our government has been giving priority to economic policies. With regard to the name of the dissolution, the Prime Minister will be giving a press conference today, and I think it best if you listen to the Prime Minister himself.