Japan Convenes New Diet Session
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has expressed his strong resolve to have lawmakers pass government-proposed bills to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Suga spoke to reporters before the 204th ordinary session of the Diet was convened on Monday.
He said he has done his utmost to address challenges including the coronavirus, greenhouse gases and digitalization policies in the four months since he assumed office.
Suga said he will submit bills to the Diet to implement policies on these issues, and he intends to explain them thoroughly to gain public support.
Suga will deliver his first policy speeches at both chambers' plenary sessions in the afternoon.
The leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, Edano Yukio, told a meeting of Upper House party members that the coronavirus has spread more than anticipated in the past month-and-a-half.
He said the government is flustered and overwhelmed, and is incapable of protecting people's lives and livelihoods.
Opposition parties plan to grill the government on what they regard as its slow response to the coronavirus situation.
They will also pursue alleged violations of a political funds control law by a secretary to former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo during his time in office.
Lawmakers will engage in heated debates during the ordinary Diet session that will run for 150 days through June 16. A Lower House election must take place by this autumn.