Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The “resignation of the Cabinet en masse” was decided. Today, following the convocation of a special Diet session, in accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution, the Cabinet resigned en masse.

Q&As

• The resignation of the Cabinet en masse and the inauguration
• The movement of the stock exchange

REPORTER: Did the Prime Minister make any comments in the Cabinet meeting or in ministerial discussions with regard to the resignation en masse of the Cabinet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister did not make any particular comments.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Did the Prime Minister not mention the reappointment or change-over of the Cabinet members?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, he did not mention anything like that at all. In any event, the Prime Minister has yet to be officially designated by the Diet, so any such discussion will come after such a designation has been made.

REPORTER: The Third Abe Cabinet will be inaugurated today, following the general election. Could you tell us once again what challenges will take the highest priority for the new Cabinet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whatever the case, the Diet is today scheduled to officially designate the Prime Minister of Japan, after which the newly designated Prime Minister and his Cabinet will make a start as a new administration. I believe that following this the Prime Minister will himself be addressing such matters.

REPORTER: Minister of Defense Eto has indicated his intention to not seek reappointment as a Cabinet minister. Have you spoken with Minister Eto about this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Although newspaper reports have covered this matter, it is not something that I am aware of at all. Authority regarding personnel matters resides with the Prime Minister and I believe that the Prime Minister will make a decision for himself, after having being officially designated as Prime Minister of Japan by the Diet.

REPORTER: On December 23 the Dow Jones Index rose to a new record high on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting the robust condition of the United States economy. Can I ask for the views of the Government concerning this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The growth forecast for the United States economy has led to this surge in share prices in the United States. Given that the United States is an extremely close partner for Japan, the Government naturally welcomes the growth in the United States economy.