Major Japanese Media: "Abe Hastened COVID-19 State of Emergency Lift Due to Political Judgment"

As Economic Downturn and Cabinet Approval Ratings Fall

Prime Minister Abe Hastily Lifts State of Emergency

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Major Japanese media reported on the 26th that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears to have hastily lifted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency based on political judgment.

Originally, the declaration to lift the state of emergency was scheduled for the end of this month, but due to the adverse economic impact and the sharp decline in the Abe cabinet’s approval ratings, major Japanese newspapers evaluated that Prime Minister Abe decided on the 25th to lift it ahead of schedule.

On the same day, Asahi Shimbun published an analytical article titled "Government Hastens Decision to Lift," stating, "The government, concerned about the severe economic impact, hastened the lifting of the state of emergency," and reported, "Experts said that although the number of COVID-19 cases in some areas exceeded the criteria for lifting, the decision was rushed."

On the morning of the 25th, the advisory committee to the Japanese government on COVID-19 measures agreed to fully lift the state of emergency in areas including Tokyo, but it is known that some experts expressed dissatisfaction with the decision timing being moved forward from the originally expected date of the 28th according to Prime Minister Abe’s wishes. One participant of the advisory committee said, "This is a political decision," and added, "It is not the stance of the experts."

Yomiuri Shimbun also published an article titled "Prime Minister Hastens Lifting," analyzing, "The Prime Minister’s Office hastened the full lifting of the declaration amid growing criticism of the government over the revision of the Public Prosecutor’s Office Law and the nationwide payment of 100,000 yen per person, seemingly aiming to shorten the self-restraint period even slightly to turn public opinion." Yomiuri Shimbun also reported that Prime Minister Abe was saying, "The resumption of economic and social activities will improve the public mood."

However, Yomiuri Shimbun added that if COVID-19 spreads again on a large scale after the state of emergency is lifted, it is certain that criticism will arise saying, "The lifting was hasty."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.