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2012/06/04
“In order to make the social security system sustainable, we must continue to carry out reform” PM Noda expresses resolve in press conference
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On the afternoon of June 4, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office and announced the list of members of the second reshuffled Cabinet. The reshuffle was made “from the perspective of strengthening the Cabinet’s functions,” Noda explained. A total of five ministers were replaced by: Minister of Justice Makoto Taki; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Akira Gunji; Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Minister for Ocean Policy Yuichiro Hata; Minister of Defence Satoshi Morimoto; and Minister for Postal Reform and Minister of State for Financial Services Tadahiro Matsushita. They were officially appointed following the attestation ceremony for new ministers held at the Imperial Palace on the evening of the same day.
In his press conference, Noda reiterated the most important objectives that the Noda Cabinet has been grappling with since its inauguration in September of last year – reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the fight against the nuclear power station accident, and the revitalisation of the Japanese economy. Noda reflected on his first Cabinet reshuffle at the beginning of this year, before the start of the ordinary Diet session, remarking that everyone had been working hard on the many missions which required action of them, including for the passage of the FY2012 budget, the establishment of the Reconstruction Agency, the passage of legislation related to the Postal Service Privatisation Act, and the reduction of national public servant remuneration. Noda explained that as the Government was coming to an important phase, with the end of the Diet session approaching in approximately 20 days, he felt he should create an environment that could advance the many issues being debated in the Diet, including the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems, and thus, he had decided to reshuffle the Cabinet from the perspective of strengthening its functions. Noda stated that the Cabinet would continue to pool its strength to do what must be done, such as on initiatives to overcome deflation and administrative reform.
Noda stated that for the next approximately 20 days until the end of the current Diet session, a grand decision will need to be made - one that shall help shape the future of Japan. Noda has repeatedly said that what is important is not the political situation but rather the big picture, and accordingly, he noted that a frank debate that could cut across party borders was necessary. With regard to the debate on the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems in the Diet, Noda recognised that a series of constructive debates had taken place with opposition parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). “The Diet is a place for discourse. It is a place where democracy is put to the test through thorough deliberations that extend beyond each side’s initial positions and works toward agreement. And in order to show this to the public, I want to again ask for the cooperation of the opposition parties, especially the LDP, for consultation among political parties in addition to the Diet deliberations,” Noda urged. He stressed that, “In order to see social security made sustainable within the currently difficult fiscal situation, we must continue to carry out reform.” “Is it right for us to continue to say that things are fine, and to continue to put off work on the issue? For how long will we continue to pass responsibilities to future generations? We must reach a conclusion in this Diet session, in light of this current situation.” Noda stated that he has pursued such politics as making decisions and implementing policy after thorough deliberations. Along with sharing the thought with every Diet member, Noda wanted to reach a conclusion through debates that went beyond the boundaries of ruling and opposition parties. Noda sought understanding, stating, “Although I took up the position of Prime Minister in the midst of this very difficult situation, I consider myself to have found my calling to a certain extent. We must do what should be done for the nation. My heart is guided by nothing else beyond this resolve. I have said that I will put my political career on the line for this, and I will continue to give my all to this, making important decisions.”
Asked about the timing of the vote on the legislation on the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems, Noda once again stressed, “It is fundamental that we realise the legislation on the comprehensive reform during this Diet session. I will exert every effort for this.” “In order to hold a debate with a feeling of mutual trust, we need to fix our sights on June 21, the last day of the Diet session, and see a vote by that time in the House of Representatives. It is the duty of the Government and ruling parties to exert the maximum possible effort to this end. We will exert every possible effort toward creating an environment in which a vote can take place by the end of the Diet session,” said Noda.
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