January 21, 2020

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on January 20 made a policy speech to the plenary session of the ordinary Diet in both Houses. While frequently using the words "Olympics" and "dream", he said nothing in regard to allegations surrounding his administration that have caused serious distrust in politics. On constitutional revision, he said, "To propose draft amendments is the responsibility of us the Dietmembers."

PM Abe is implicated in a mountain of scandals, such as the allegation that he used taxpayer-funded "cherry blossom-viewing parties" to further his own interests, the casino-related bribery scandal involving a former LDP lawmaker who was in charge of the promotion of casino-centric integrated resorts (IR), and the alleged violation of the Public Offices Election Law involving two former Cabinet ministers. However, he said nothing about any of these scandals and failed to show any remorse for having generated the public's increased distrust in politics.

He claimed that his 26-trillion-yen economic package "will open the way to a future of security and growth" without referring to the consumption tax hike to 10% which had been forced through and is now dealing a heavy blow to the country's overall economy. While fueling confrontation between the young and old generations, he stressed the need to promote social security reforms which will require all generations, including the elderly, to shoulder more burdens.

Regarding the construction of a new U.S. base in Nago City's Henoko in Okinawa, he glossed over the issue without uttering the name "Henoko". He said, "While maintaining deterrence, I will steadily achieve results to ease Okinawa's base burdens." As for the Middle East situation where tensions have been intensifying, PM Abe only said, "I will call upon all parties concerned to solve the issue through dialogue and to take a self-restraint response." He did not mention anything about the U.S. preemptive strike killing an Iranian commander in violation of the UN Charter.