Tokyo, Oct. 8 (BNA) In his first political speech on Friday, new Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to strengthen epidemic management and health care in the event of a resurgence of the Corona virus.
Given the critical task of garnering popular support ahead of the national elections expected on October 31, Kishida promised to pursue a policy of “trust and sympathy”.
He was elected by parliament and sworn in on Monday as Japan’s 100th prime minister, succeeding Yoshihide Suga who left office after just one year in office, according to the Associated Press.
Suga’s hard-line approach to virus measures and holding the Olympics despite a spike in cases has angered the public and hurt the ruling Liberal Democrats.
“I will dedicate my body and soul to overcoming the national crisis with the people to pioneer the new era so that we can pass on the abundant Japan to the next generation,” Kishida said.
He promised to be more attentive to public concerns and needs, and to prepare measures for the virus based on a “worst-case scenario”.
This includes taking advantage of reduced infections to better manage crises before the weather turns cold, approving COVID-19 treatment pills by the end of December and digitizing vaccine certificates for use at home as Japan gradually attempts to expand social and economic activity, Kishida said.
A former moderate who recently turned hawkish on security issues, he said Japan should also increase its readiness for rising regional threats.
Kishida reiterated his policy goals that were achieved during the last race for the leadership of the ruling party, vowing to achieve a “positive cycle of growth and distribution” in a society that balances daily life and the danger of the coronavirus.
He said he seeks to boost growth by investing in cutting-edge research and development and promoting digitization to modernize the bureaucracy, services and industries, while encouraging companies to raise wages.
He also wants to intensify government support for education and the cost of living. However, many experts are skeptical about the possibility of increasing income.
Kishida said he hopes to bridge the divisions caused by the pandemic, which has exacerbated the gaps between the rich and the poor.
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