OREANDA-NEWS. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and members of his government voluntarily return to the treasury 30% and 20%, respectively, of their salaries and bonuses in solidarity with the financial burdens of the population.

This was announced on Thursday at a press conference in Tokyo by Cabinet Secretary General Yoshihide Suga in response to a question about whether the ministers are going to share their income with ordinary citizens amid the economic problems associated with the spread of the new coronavirus. “The prime minister”, he said, “is already returning 30% of his salary and bonus to the budget. Cabinet ministers - 20% each. I heard that MPs are also discussing this issue”.

The ruling and opposition parties in Japan agreed on April 14 to reduce the salaries of members of both houses of parliament by 20% in solidarity with citizens who are experiencing a decline in income due to the spread of the new coronavirus. This measure will be valid for a year. The corresponding bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament soon for approval.

To date, more than 9.4 thousand cases of infection with a new coronavirus have been recorded in Japan, more than 190 people have died. More than 170 patients are in serious condition.