'Post-Abe' Leading Japan's Suga: "Dissolution of the House of Representatives is the Prime Minister's Exclusive Authority"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary and a leading candidate as the 'post-Abe,' expressed on the 10th that the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the early general election are matters of the Prime Minister's full authority.

At the regular press conference that afternoon, when asked, "What do you think about the necessity of dissolving the House of Representatives and holding a general election under the new administration?" Minister Suga replied, "Dissolution is the Prime Minister's full authority, so it will be a matter for the new Cabinet Prime Minister."

This response is interpreted as implying that it is not appropriate for him to speak specifically on the matter while serving as the government spokesperson and Chief Cabinet Secretary at the press conference.

Earlier, Defense Minister Taro Kono predicted at an online lecture hosted by a U.S. think tank that "if the new Prime Minister is elected next week, the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the general election could probably be held in October."

Minister Suga is highly likely to be elected as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president in the election on the 14th. If elected as LDP president, he will be nominated as the new Prime Minister in the House of Representatives on the 16th.

When asked about Japan's position on U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's criticism that China's claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea are illegal, Minister Suga stated, "We have been closely monitoring recent Chinese activities in the South China Sea with concern."

He continued, "For our country (Japan), we strongly oppose any actions that raise tensions in the South China Sea," and emphasized, "We will continue to firmly cooperate with the United States and the international community to protect a free, open, and peaceful sea."

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