• Japanese PM indicates intention to swiftly compile "drastic economic measures backed by necessary budgets" after the new administration is launched

NEW DELHI: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio said Sunday he is considering reshuffling his cabinet and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership team as early as Wednesday.

Holding a press conference after attending a summit of the Group of 20 major economies in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Kishida also indicated his intention to swiftly compile “drastic economic measures backed by necessary budgets” after the new administration is launched.

The prime minister will return to Japan on Monday morning. He plans to conduct full-scale personnel selection including through meetings with ruling party executives on Monday and Tuesday.

Regarding the scale of personnel changes, Kishida said, “I will refrain from saying anything specific at this point.”

On economic measures, he said, “We want to compile a comprehensive economic package that will protect people’s lives from high prices and make the trends of wage hikes and investment expansion stronger.”

“We have to do it urgently, and we want to start right after the new administration is launched,” Kishida also said. “I am determined to take the lead.”

The prime minister plans to meet LDP Vice President Taro Aso, Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi and Election Strategy Committee chief Hiroshi Moriyama on Monday. He is also expected to discuss personnel change ideas with Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of Komeito, the junior coalition partner of the LDP.

Kishida is considering reshuffling the LDP’s leadership team on Wednesday morning and his cabinet in the afternoon on the same day.

JIJI Press