役員会後 鈴木俊一幹事長 記者会見(2026.7.13)

On Monday, July 13, 2026, a board meeting was held, followed by a press conference by Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki. [Opening Remarks] I will now report on the summary of today's board meeting. President Takaichi stated that the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Japan will take necessary measures from the perspective of national interest. The current Diet session is nearing its end. I would like to reiterate my request for the cooperation of all board members in ensuring the passage of all government-submitted bills during this session. I ask that the House of Representatives and House of Councillors board members cooperate closely and do their utmost to ensure smooth operation of the Diet. Furthermore, regarding the remaining bill, the "Vice-Capital Bill," the ruling party will work together to aim for its passage during this session. A party leaders' debate will be held on the afternoon of the 15th. We would like to engage in thorough and sincere discussions with the opposition parties regarding the best policies for the nation and its people. Regarding the intensive deliberation, once the schedule is decided and we are requested to attend, we will attend and provide sincere answers. From me (Secretary-General Suzuki): Last Friday, the bill to amend the Imperial House Law was passed in the House of Representatives. Securing stable succession to the throne is a crucial issue that cannot be taken lightly. As the ruling party, I believe it is important to ensure its passage in this Diet session. There are only five days left in the Diet session. I am deeply grateful for the hard work of the Diet Affairs Committee and the members of the House of Councillors. In order to steadily advance the policies we pledged, I intend to approach the final stages of the Diet session with a sense of urgency, and I ask for the understanding and cooperation of all officers. As you are already aware, Mr. Takao Fujii passed away in April of this year at the age of 83. I would like to once again offer my deepest condolences. A memorial service for Mr. Fujii will be held at the Tokyo Prince Hotel on Wednesday, the 15th, at 1:00 PM. The organizers are former President Kishida, Speaker Mori of the House of Representatives, former President Yamazaki of the House of Councillors, and myself. We also received a telegram of condolence from the party president. Chairman Kajiyama of the Diet Affairs Committee and Chairman Isozaki of the House of Councillors' Diet Affairs Committee reported on the activities of the Diet and the status of committees, etc. Chairman Matsuyama of the House of Councillors and Secretary-General Ishii of the House of Councillors stated that with only one week remaining, the situation remains very difficult, but they intend to do their utmost to ensure the passage of all bills and fulfill their responsibility as the House of Councillors, which is responsible for the outcome. Chairman Nishimura of the Election Strategy Committee stated that, regarding the Kagawa Prefectural Governor election to be announced next month, President Takaichi will present the certificate of recommendation to incumbent Governor Toyohito Ikeda, whom they have already decided to endorse, after the executive meeting. Furthermore, regarding the Okinawa Prefectural Governor election, with two months remaining until the voting day on September 13th, they reported and requested support, stating that they will be making thorough preparations and responding to ensure the victory of Genta Koja, whom our party fully supports. Mr. Kobayashi, the Policy Research Council Chairman, reported and expressed his gratitude for the passage of the amendment to the Imperial House Law in the House of Representatives last week. Regarding the "Basic Policy Guidelines," he said that he had been given full authority at the Policy Research Council General Meeting last week and that he would like to proceed with the internal party procedures this week. He also reported that the Policy Research Council Chairmen of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, and Komeito began discussions on amendments to the Vice-Capital Bill last week, and that the National Social Security Council also held a working-level meeting today to proceed with discussions toward an interim summary. Mr. Arimura, the General Affairs Chairman, reported that the General Affairs Committee will meet tomorrow at 11:00 AM and is scheduled to deliberate on the bill to amend part of the Septic Tank Law, among other things. That concludes the summary of the Executive Committee meeting. [Question and Answer] Q: This is the Yomiuri Shimbun. I would like to ask about the issue of alleged monetary transactions in the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly. There is testimony that there was a custom of assigning positions with money, mainly within the Liberal Democratic Party, such as former Speakers and Deputy Speakers giving cas...