Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

I would like to give an overview of the first Cabinet meeting. First, the Statement by the Prime Minister and the Basic Policy were decided. Next, the Prime Minister made a statement concerning the prior designation of ministers who would serve as the acting Prime Minister pursuant to Article 9 of the Cabinet Act. With regard to the order of precedence concerning who will serve as acting Prime Minister, the order is the same as the previous Cabinet, starting with Deputy Prime Minister Aso, through to Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida in fifth position. In addition, two personnel decisions were approved by the Cabinet. The Prime Minister also made a statement about acting ministers when ministers in charge are away on overseas visits. With that, the first Cabinet meeting was concluded.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, mutual agreement was reached for Cabinet members to return a portion of their ministerial remuneration, in the same way as the previous Cabinet. With that, ministerial discussions were concluded.

I will announce the appointment of State Ministers and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers tomorrow, once it is decided.

Q&As
(Abridged)