TOKYO: Japan’s new ruling party chief TAKAICHI Sanae said on Thursday she will immediately issue an order to compile a package of steps to cushion the economic impact of rising living costs once she is chosen by parliament to become the next prime minister.

“We must pass through parliament legislation to cut the gasoline tax and compile a supplementary budget. Otherwise, people will continue to suffer from rising cost of living, which will hurt consumption, weigh on corporate profits and hurt the economy,” Takaichi said in an interview with public broadcaster NHK.

“I think all parties agree that we need to move quickly toward taking measures to cushion the blow from rising living costs,” she added.

Reuters