Japanese Keidanren Chairman Criticizes Abe for Failing to Lead COVID-19 Response Measures

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe [Photo by AP]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The head of the Japanese economic organization Keidanren criticized outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, saying he "did not sufficiently lead measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)."

According to the Mainichi Shimbun on the 8th, Keidanren Chairman Hiroaki Nakanishi said at a press conference the day before that the new cabinet should implement policies where "COVID-19 measures and economic revitalization coexist." Chairman Nakanishi had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Tokyo since July due to a recurrence of lymphoma, and after leaving the hospital two months later, he attended a board meeting and held the press conference.

Chairman Nakanishi has been a supporter of the Abe administration's economic policies. His direct criticism of Prime Minister Abe, who is about to resign, is considered somewhat unusual. Referring to Abe's resignation due to his chronic illness, ulcerative colitis, Nakanishi said, "I would like to say I will quit like Prime Minister Abe, but (right now) the economic situation is not such," indicating his intention to maintain his position as chairman.

Regarding the achievements and shortcomings of the second Abe administration, which lasted 7 years and 8 months, he pointed out, "Diplomatically, Japan established a new status, but it left challenges in economic growth." He also mentioned that the local economy has not significantly improved, evaluating that "Abenomics did not reach that far." He added, "Throughout the entire process of COVID-19 measures, (Prime Minister Abe's) leadership was weak, leading to his decision to resign."

Regarding the next prime minister, he said, "It is a difficult time for COVID-19 measures and economic reconstruction," and added, "No matter who becomes prime minister or if the policy line changes, the challenges remain the same."

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