菅首相、河野氏支持を表明　コロナ対策「継続が大事」―自民総裁選

　菅義偉首相（自民党総裁）は１７日、党総裁選で河野太郎規制改革担当相を支持すると表明した。その理由として、河野氏が新型コロナウイルスワクチン接種の調整役として必要な数量の確保や接種率向上に取り組んだと指摘。「国難の中で大きな成果を上げてくれた。コロナ対策は継続が極めて大事だ」と説明した。また、候補者４人による論戦について「活発に行ってほしい」と語った。首相官邸で記者団の質問に答えた。（2021/09/17-19:15）

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga threw his support on Friday behind regulatory reform minister Taro Kono in the leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
   Speaking to reporters, Suga said that Kono, in his additional role as coordinator of Japan's novel coronavirus vaccine rollout, has worked to secure the necessary amount of vaccines and raise the vaccination rate.
   "(Kono) has made significant achievements amid a national crisis. It's very important to continue measures against the coronavirus," he said.
   Suga also said the four lawmakers who filed their candidacies the same day for LDP president will engage in spirited debates.
   The party election, slated for Sept. 29, will choose the successor to Suga, who has decided not to seek re-election.