Suga, Japanese Prime Minister, "Will Wait for My Turn for Vaccination"... Cautious of Privilege Controversy

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] In Japan, where COVID-19 vaccinations began on the 17th, public attention is focused on the timing of vaccination for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

While some argue that, considering his position as the representative of the entire nation, the Prime Minister should be vaccinated first, Suga himself has stated that he will wait his turn to receive the vaccine.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun on the 24th, the exact timing of Prime Minister Suga's vaccination has not yet been decided.

The vaccination order announced by the Japanese government starts with healthcare workers, followed by elderly people aged 65 and over (approximately 36 million people).

Depending on the amount of vaccine secured, the exact timing is flexible, but the Japanese government plans to begin vaccinating the elderly group aged 65 and over, which includes 72-year-old Suga, in April.

If the established vaccination order is followed, it is expected that Prime Minister Suga will receive the vaccine no earlier than April.

In relation to this, LDP lawmaker Tatsuo Fukuda proposed at the House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting on the 22nd that "the Prime Minister is responsible for the lives of 125 million people" and suggested that Prime Minister Suga be vaccinated first.

However, Prime Minister Suga denied the possibility of receiving the vaccine first, saying, "I will take the lead and get vaccinated when my turn comes, but the order is determined based on experts' opinions."

This attitude of Prime Minister Suga is analyzed as being conscious of controversy over special privileges.

The Mainichi Shimbun reported that there is concern that if a cluster infection occurs among ministers and lawmakers who meet daily during the regular Diet session, administrative and legislative functions could be paralyzed, but if lawmakers receive the vaccine before the general public, there would be public criticism labeling them as 'superior citizens' enjoying privileges.

The newspaper predicted that the timing of Prime Minister Suga's vaccination will be decided based on public opinion trends while considering the effect of promoting vaccine safety after vaccinations for those aged 65 and over begin.