The ruling and opposition parties argue over a request for temporary closure of schools nationwide NHK Sunday debate

The ruling and opposition parties discuss a request for temporary closure of schools nationwide NHK Sunday debate March 1 12:09

With the spread of the new coronavirus spread, the ruling and opposition parties discussed at NHK's "Sunday debate" over Prime Minister Abe's request for temporary closure of elementary and junior high schools throughout the country.

"It is effective to leave schools where children and teachers spend long and dense time. It is time for the government to humbly listen to the information and voices of the people who go beyond the ruling and opposition parties, and to take concrete measures to compensate for leave of absence, to dispel concerns. It's more important than anything else. "

"The decision was a last minute decision to prevent the mass outbreak of children. It is much less confusing to announce that we will deal with a variety of issues in this way. Specifically, There are issues such as compensation for leave and the need to create a place for children. "

"While it's a request and not an obligation, the Prime Minister has said it's significant. It's not about imposing responsibility on local governments, but what the nation should do. It's important to deal with it because it's a rule-of-law state, not a prime minister. "

"Once China has not requested school closures all over the country, I would like to hear an explanation of why it was decided to be uniform throughout the country. Some countries have restrictions on immigration, so if you don't go through immigration restrictions, you won't be consistent. "

Katayama, Co-Representative of the Japan Restoration Association, said, "Isn't it necessary for Prime Minister Abe to explain to the public earlier? The decision to close the school is the authority of the Board of Education and local governments. We had to take that first. "

"There is no rational explanation why the whole country is uniform. Some experts have not consulted with the Experts Council and have said that it is not necessary. Leave it to the state to support it financially. "