Lower House in Japan Approves Bill Granting State Power During Emergencies

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would grant the central government the authority to issue instructions to local governments during emergencies, in a move aimed at ensuring citizens’ safety in unprecedented situations.

The bill, supported by the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, as well as the opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai, was approved by a majority vote. The revision to the local autonomy law comes in response to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where coordination between central and local authorities was lacking.

Under the new law, the central government would be able to issue instructions in cases where citizens’ safety is at risk and there are no existing laws to address the situation. These instructions would be considered exceptional measures, with the central government required to consult with local governments and make efforts to collect opinions before issuing them.

The bill was amended to include a provision that mandates the central government to report to parliament after issuing an instruction. Additionally, a supplementary resolution adopted by the Lower House’s internal affairs committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that instructions are the minimum necessary and take into account local government opinions and actual conditions.

The revision to the local autonomy law is seen as a step towards improving coordination and response efforts during emergencies, providing a framework for swift and effective action to protect citizens’ safety.