The authority of the prime minister and the functions of the Cabinet should be strengthened, the 13 members of the Administrative Reform Council, headed by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, agreed Aug. 18.
The consensus was reached as the members of council began intensive discussions to work out reform measures to downsize the administrative system.
The members, who are considered intellectuals and key figures from the private sector, agreed that Article 4 of the Cabinet Law should be revised to give the prime minister greater authority to actively guide Cabinet meetings and to allow the prime minister to propose policy-related matters during those meetings.