Tokyo, Sept. 17 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday described her second cabinet, which she launched the same day, as one that will make decisions, take on challenges and act. “I will pursue a responsible and proactive fiscal policy to make Japan strong and prosperous,” Takaichi said at a press conference. Regarding the planned consumption tax cut for food next April, the prime minister expressed confidence in funding, saying, “We have a clear prospect.” “We’ll secure (the necessary funds) without relying on special government bonds, so we can gain market trust,” she said. “I think you don’t need to worry.” Meanwhile, Takaichi denied that the cabinet reshuffle is linked to next year’s leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. “We will work as one, without any discord, to implement this administration’s pledges,” the prime minister stressed. Takaichi said that she selected individuals with the ability to get things done after thoroughly reviewing responses to a survey of LDP lawmakers on their desired positions. Regarding her decision to include in her cabinet lawmakers embroiled in a high-profile LDP slush fund scandal, Takaichi said that they had survived two previous national elections. She did not clearly answer a question about why she did not keep internal affairs minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in the cabinet. The inclusion in the cabinet of Hiroshi Nakatsuka from the Japan Innovation Party, the LDP’s coalition partner, “will symbolize the coalition government’s move into a new stage,” the prime minister said. “Our trust relationship with the JIP is unwavering.” Takaichi vowed to work diligently to enact a bill reducing the number of House of Representatives seats, a key aim of the JIP. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
