Suga Apologizes Over Lawmakers' Late - Night Outing
Japan's Prime Minister has made a public apology about two senior governing coalition lawmakers who dined out late at night, despite the government asking people to avoid non-essential outings, especially at night.
Suga Yoshihide made the apology at an Upper House committee session on Wednesday.
An opposition lawmaker criticized the coalition officials for not abiding by the request aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, while asking ordinary people to accept the restraint under the current state of emergency.
Tokunaga Eri of the Constitutional Democratic Party also noted that the government is proposing revising the law to allow punishments for those who do not meet requests for business closures and other anti-virus steps. She said the government is totally inconsistent.
Prime Minister Suga said he is extremely sorry that the two cases took place at a time when the government is asking for the public's cooperation.
He said lawmakers should take action that can be supported by the people. He added that his Liberal Democratic Party will deal with the issue firmly.
The Tokyo area has been under the state of emergency declaration since January 8. Restaurants and bars are being asked to close by 8 p.m. But some establishments are not heeding that request.
Magazines have reported that senior officials of the LDP and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, separately dined out until late night in Tokyo last week. They have apologized for their actions.