Amid Ongoing Issues Like COVID-19... Japanese Abe Missing from Official Appearances for a Month

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been avoiding public statements for over a month despite consecutive issues such as the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and heavy rains in Kyushu, Mainichi Shimbun pointed out on the 22nd.

According to the report, Prime Minister Abe has not held a formal press conference for more than a month since holding one on the 18th of last month, marking the end of the regular Diet session. From February 29 to the 19th of last month, he made direct remarks on COVID-19 measures through a total of nine press conferences. Despite the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases centered in Tokyo, Abe has not been seen.

Mainichi reported that aside from waiting at the Prime Minister’s residence to ask brief questions about current issues and receiving short answers, there have been no recent opportunities to directly cover Prime Minister Abe. Asahi Shimbun also noted that Abe sometimes unilaterally delivers what he wants to say in response to reporters’ questions or leaves when questions continue.

Abe’s recent avoidance of contact with the media appears to be due to the difficulty of responding amid a series of adverse events. His close aide, former Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai and his wife, were arrested and indicted on bribery election charges, and criticism is growing over the forced implementation of the 'Go To Travel' policy encouraging domestic travel amid the spread of COVID-19.

Jun Azumi, the Constitutional Democratic Party’s Diet Countermeasures Committee Chair, criticized, "Recently, when unfavorable things come out, he locks himself in the Prime Minister’s residence," adding, "When he exercises leadership, he suddenly gathers reporters and speaks." Abe is avoiding attendance at the Diet and contact with major media, instead sending messages targeting his support base through minor media outlets that suit his style.

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