Parliament has approved a bill granting the central government the authority to issue directives to local governments during emergencies like natural disasters and pandemics. The bill, which amends the local autonomy law, passed through both chambers of the Diet, receiving support from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, and Nippon Ishin no Kai.
However, opposition came from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and the Japanese Communist Party, who voted against the bill. This new legislation aims to streamline coordination between the central and local governments in times of crisis, ensuring a more cohesive response to emergencies.
With the passing of this bill, the government will have the necessary tools to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of disasters and pandemics at a national level. The decision to grant such powers to the central government reflects a proactive approach to crisis management and reinforces the importance of unity and collaboration between different levels of government in times of need.