[HIGHLIGHTS] Local Autonomy Law amendment bill finalized: “The national government can give instructions to local governments in emergencies”

Local Autonomy Law amendment bill finalized: “The national government can give instructions to local governments in emergencies”. The government plans to create special provisions that will allow it to issue specific instructions.

During the drafting process, local governments expressed concerns that the equal relationship between the national and local governments would be undermined. It was stipulated that when the national government gives instructions, it should endeavor to seek opinions from local governments. The government is aiming to pass the amendment bill in the current Diet session.