Japanese → English transcript

I would like to thank you for being up at this late hour.

So, the House of Representatives

will be dissolved the day after tomorrow, on the 23rd. As for the general election,

I would like to proceed with the official announcement on the 27th and

voting and ballot counting on February 8. The year before last, we held the House

of Representatives election under the framework of a coalition with Komeito,

but afterward, well, last year, with the coalition with Nippon Ishin no Kai,

the framework changed significantly. And also in terms of policy,

in order to make the Japanese archipelago stronger and more prosperous,

we are shifting to a responsible, proactive fiscal policy, making a major change in

economic and fiscal policy, as well as fundamentally strengthening

security policy and reinforcing intelligence functions. From now on,

especially in this year’s Diet,

we must embark on bold policy reforms that could divide public opinion,

and if we do not get started now, we will not make it in time.

Regarding the policy of securing people’s livelihoods, including measures to counter

rising prices,

we have been able to take the necessary steps. The supplementary budget has

been passed, and right now we are asking each ministry and agency,

and also all local governments, for its prompt implementation.

At this point in time, we need to shift up one more gear to make

these policies, these goals, a reality. For that purpose,

I have concluded that we need to seek the judgment of all the people.

And I myself will stake my own political fate as prime minister on this.

The cuts in gasoline and diesel prices, and from this month the support for

electricity and gas bills,

are already beginning to reach you all in the form of tangible benefits.

Measures to deal with high prices,

child- rearing support allowances,

and so on are part of the content provided for in the fiscal 2025

supplementary budget at the end of last year, and they are now in the

process of being implemented one after another.

I want to state clearly that this dissolution is being carried out

only after we have put in place a thorough system that will not allow any gap in

economic management.

That is what I wish to make perfectly clear.

Also, from last year through last week,

there was a very full schedule of diplomatic engagements. In particular,

there were also matters related to diplomatic protocol. Also, taking into

consideration that January 17 was the memorial day for the Great Hanshin- Awaji

Earthquake,

The press conference to announce the dissolution has been set for early next week,

at the start of this week.