The spread of the novel coronavirus has drastically changed the face of society. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe needs to handle measures against this infectious disease with firm resolve and reinvigorate the economy.
Abe has just become Japan's longest-serving prime minister in terms of consecutive days in office, breaking the previous record held by Eisaku Sato. As for his total number of days in office, including his first Cabinet, Abe in November last year exceeded Taro Katsura, who served as prime minister in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and the Taisho era (1912-1926), setting a record as the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Japan's constitutional politics.
Abe said, "I have fully devoted myself to realizing the pledges I have made to the people."
The prime minister, who returned to power at the end of 2012, improved corporate earnings and the employment situation under the slogan of "giving top priority to the economy." Although Abe's growth strategy cannot be said to have been successful, he has led the way to an economic recovery through bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulus measures.
On the diplomatic front, Abe has established good relations with the leaders of the United States and other countries. It should be noted that under his administration Japan has strengthened its security policies, such as approval for the limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense.
It is a great achievement that Abe has maintained a stable administration for a long time and increased Japan's presence in the international community.
But the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on society, and the world economy contracted. The growth rate for Japan's gross domestic product has also fallen sharply due to sluggish consumption.
Criticism that the government is failing to appropriately handle measures against the coronavirus is unavoidable. As administrative digitization has not progressed, complicated procedures for and delays in providing various cash benefits have become a problem. Despite the prime minister's instructions, the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests conducted has not increased significantly.
The government must mobilize all available measures to prevent infections and achieve a balance with economic activities. It is essential for the prime minister to take the lead in overcoming the national crisis. The public's anxiety must be dispelled.
The prime minister intends to reshuffle the Cabinet and appoint new executives of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party next month. It is important to put top priority on dealing with the crisis and take every possible measure toward that end.
In an extraordinary Diet session to be convened in autumn, the focus of the debate is expected to be on measures to improve the medical system and testing, as well as prospects for vaccine supplies and additional economic stimulus measures. Local governments are calling on the central government to issue legally binding requests to suspend business operations, and for the systematization of financial assistance in the form of cooperation money for businesses that comply with the requests. It is hoped that these issues will be discussed from various angles.
At the end of September next year, Abe's term as the LDP president will expire. It has become difficult to realize his long-cherished desire to revise the Constitution during his term. The question is whether the government will be able to vitalize discussions on the Constitution in the Diet and pave the way for constitutional revision.
Speculation is rife about Abe's health since he again visited a hospital. His first Cabinet resigned en masse due to his worsening chronic illness. Hopefully, he will first get himself in better physical condition.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Aug. 25, 2020.
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