Japan’s new PM seeks new mandate to handle recovery

Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Monday he will dissolve the lower house next week in preparation for 31 October elections as he seeks a fresh mandate to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the sagging economy and security threats from China and North Korea.
Kishida was formally elected by parliament earlier Monday to replace Yoshihide Suga, who resigned after only one year in office.
“Our fight against the coronavirus is continuing,” Kishida told his first news conference Monday night after taking office.
“COVID-19 measures is the urgent and top priority, and I will handle the problem taking into consideration the worst-case scenario”, he added.
The prime minister also pledged to push through with a large-scale recovery package to support those hit by the pandemic.