岸田首相、原潜保有に慎重

　岸田文雄首相は１９日のフジテレビ番組で、原子力潜水艦の保有に関し「厳しい安全保障環境の中で防衛力は強化しなければならないが、いきなり原潜にいくのはどうか」と慎重な考えを示した。「開発には莫大（ばくだい）なコストが必要だ。国民の命や暮らしを守るために優先順位が大事だ。その前にやるべきことがある」と語った。
　与野党９党首が参加した番組で、国民民主党が保有を主張し、日本維新の会も同調。公明党は慎重な考えを示し、立憲民主、共産両党は反対した。（2022/06/19-11:00）

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in a television program Sunday sounded cautious about the idea of Japan possessing a nuclear-powered submarine.
   "We need to strengthen our country's defense capabilities under the severe security environment," Kishida, also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said. But he indicated that it is not appropriate for the country to suddenly aim for a nuclear submarine.
   "Huge costs will be required for developing a nuclear submarine," he said, adding: "Priority is important for protecting people's lives and livelihoods. We have things to do before (considering possessing a nuclear submarine)."
   The TV program, also joined by heads of eight other Japanese political parties, was held ahead of the July 10 election for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, Japan's parliament.
   In the program, the Democratic Party for the People and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), both opposition parties, argued for Japan possessing a nuclear submarine.