Pandemic To Be In Focus At Ordinary Diet Session
An ordinary session of Japan's Diet is set to open on Monday, with hot debates expected on the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide will deliver policy speeches at the plenary sessions of both chambers. They will be his first at an ordinary Diet session since taking office.
The government and ruling parties are aiming to rebuild the domestic economy after stemming the spread of the virus.
They look set to work for an early enactment of the third supplementary budget for the current fiscal year to cushion the impact of the pandemic.
The government and ruling parties are hoping to have the chambers swiftly pass a bill to revise a special law to enhance the effectiveness of anti-virus measures.
They want a budget plan for the next fiscal year to be enacted by March 31, when the current fiscal year ends.
They will also likely strive for the passage of tax-related legislation to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases, as well as a bill to establish a new government agency in charge of digitalization.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are planning to press the government on what they consider to be slow responses that allow the coronavirus situation to deteriorate.
They will likely focus on the declaration of a state of emergency earlier this month, and the enforcement of anti-infection measures for people arriving from abroad.
Opposition parties appear set to call for the government to improve its budget proposals and boost support for businesses and medical professionals.
They are also poised to take up alleged violations of a political funds control law by a secretary to former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in connection with dinner parties that were held for the politician's supporters while he was in office.
Another major issue will likely be the indictment of a former agriculture minister on a charge of receiving bribes while in office from the former head of a major egg producer.
Debates are expected to play out with ruling and opposition parties setting their sights on a Lower House election that needs to take place by the autumn.
The ordinary Diet session will continue for 150 days through June 16.