Prime Minister Kishida gave a policy speech at a plenary session of the House of Representatives, in which he expressed his intention to restore trust in politics by separating the factions of the Liberal Democratic Party from money and personnel matters. Furthermore, in response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, he established a new headquarters to support recovery and reconstruction, with himself at the top, and emphasized his determination to work towards the revitalization of the disaster-stricken areas.

“The government is responsible for rebuilding the disaster-stricken areas”

At the beginning of his speech, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his condolences to the victims of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and said, ``The government and local communities are working together to support the lives and livelihoods of the victims.'' "We will continue our efforts. We will not hesitate to implement even the most unusual measures."



He also mentioned that the contingency funds in the new fiscal year's budget had been doubled to 1 trillion yen, and said, ``We must not hesitate in responding to the earthquake due to budget constraints.'' We will seamlessly ``do everything we can.'' .



In addition, he established a new Noto Peninsula Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Support Headquarters with himself at the top, demonstrating the country's determination to take responsibility for rebuilding the disaster-stricken areas.

“Aiming to restore trust in politics”

On the other hand, regarding the issue surrounding the political funding parties of factions of the Liberal Democratic Party, he apologized, saying, ``It is extremely regrettable that this situation has drawn suspicion from the public, and we sincerely apologize.'' After extensive consultations, he announced his intention to implement legal reforms such as amending the Political Funds Control Act.



``We frankly acknowledge that the policy group within the Liberal Democratic Party was in a situation where it could not be helped to be seen as a so-called ``clique'', that is, a ``group for money and human resources'', and we sincerely regret that the policy group within the Liberal Democratic Party "I have decided to completely break away from 'money' and 'human affairs,'" he said, indicating his intention to restore trust in politics through a series of reforms.

“Achieving income that exceeds the rise in prices”

He also stated that there have been positive signs throughout the past two years and four months of administration, such as the highest wage increases in 30 years and trends in stock prices, and that he hopes to completely break out of deflation. He appealed to all of us to seize the opportunity to transition to a new growth-oriented economy and make this year the year in which the people realize the results.



While pointing out that ``economic revitalization'' continues to be the administration's greatest mission, he said, ``Our main objective is to realize incomes that exceed rising prices.We will use every means possible to achieve incomes that exceed rising prices this year. I have to.”



Specifically, in addition to working on "public wage increases" in the fields of public services, including medical care and welfare, we will also create an environment in which labor costs can be steadily passed on to prices so that the trend can spread to small and medium-sized enterprises and the construction industry. We have outlined our policy to achieve this goal.



Furthermore, in addition to wage increases through the ``spring labor'' campaign, he emphasized that he would work to instill a positive mindset throughout society that it is natural for wages to rise through measures such as income tax and resident tax cuts starting in June.

Osaka/Kansai Expo

In addition, regarding the Osaka/Kansai Expo, which has issues such as soaring costs, ``It will be an opportunity to overcome the new coronavirus and large-scale natural disasters and reconsider how we deal with life and the state of society. "We will proceed with this project on an all-Japan basis," he said, indicating his intention to continuously monitor whether costs are appropriate while also utilizing the knowledge of experts.

“Strengthening child and child care policies on an unprecedented scale”

He also stated that ``Japanese society's biggest strategic issue is the problem of population decline,'' and while working to strengthen child and child-rearing policies on an unprecedented scale, we will secure the necessary financial resources through thorough spending reforms and provide support for the people. I reiterated that we will do our best to avoid creating any real burden.

Collision accident at Haneda Airport “Take drastic measures”

Furthermore, he touched on the accident in which a Japan Airlines passenger plane collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft at Haneda Airport, saying, ``We will promptly take measures to prevent recurrence so that such an accident will never happen again, and based on the investigation into the cause, we will continue to improve the safety and security of aviation.'' We will take drastic measures to address this issue."

Diplomacy/Security

In terms of diplomacy and security, the international community is becoming increasingly tense due to the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the U.S. presidential election. ” he said.



Regarding Japan-U.S. relations, he announced that he would further expand and deepen the bilateral relationship through a visit to the United States as a state guest in the first half of April this year. In addition, he emphasized that Japan, the United States, and South Korea will work together broadly to advance strategic cooperation among Japan, the United States, and South Korea, as well as the Japan-China-South Korea framework.



Regarding Japan-China relations, he stated that both sides would strive to build a ``constructive and stable relationship,'' in which they assert what needs to be said and cooperate on common issues.



Regarding the situation in Ukraine, he explained that he will continue to strongly promote sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, and will hold a ``Japan-Ukraine Economic Revitalization Promotion Conference'' in February in Tokyo.



Furthermore, regarding the issue of abductions by North Korea, we will proceed with high-level talks under our direct control in order to realize the return of all victims as soon as possible and take Japan-North Korea relations to a new stage, with a view to realizing a Japan-North Korea summit meeting. I have expressed my thoughts over and over again.

constitutional amendment

Regarding the constitutional amendment, he said, ``There is no change in my desire to implement the amendment during my term as president of the Liberal Democratic Party, and I would like to do my utmost to move the discussion forward. "We will accelerate this," he said, expressing his enthusiasm.



Finally, he called on the Prime Minister to "definitely seize the opportunity to change Japan. The ruling and opposition parties each have their own positions, but let's do our best for the next generation."



The Prime Minister's policy speech at the regular Diet session is usually given on the day the Diet convenes, but this time it was unusual because it was held after the Budget Committee's intensive deliberations in response to the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party. It became the shape of