Japan to Set Up Social Security Reform Council in Jan.: Takaichi

Ise, Mie Pref., Jan. 5 (Jiji Press)–Japan will set up a nonpartisan national council for social security reform within January, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at her New Year’s press conference Monday. Regarding how she wants to steer her administration, the Liberal Democratic Party’s Takaichi said, “We will base our action on the coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party and then seek cooperation from opposition parties, starting with the Democratic Party for the People.” She spoke in Ise, Mie Prefecture, after visiting Ise Jingu, a major Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Takaichi was cautious when asked about the possibility of dissolving the House of Representatives, the all-important lower chamber of the Diet, the country’s parliament, for a snap election. “It’s important that the public feels the impact of our measures to combat inflation,” she said. “We’re working hard to address problems in front of us.” Referring to the recent U.S. strikes on Venezuela, Takaichi said, “While taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, we will continue making diplomatic efforts to help restore democracy and stabilize the situation in Venezuela.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]