In the current session, the Diet has enacted a law to give legal backing to a forum in which the Cabinet members concerned and local government leaders exchange opinions on policy matters.
The law is the result of the Democratic Party of Japan government's efforts to give more power to local governments.
The enactment of the law makes it difficult for the central government to impose its policy decisions on local governments. It is hoped that both sides will engage in constructive discussions in the forum that spur the improvement of social welfare and other administrative services provided by local governments.