Per RTRS: "Japan is expected to compile a.....>

JAPAN: Per RTRS: "Japan is expected to compile a stimulus package to boost the

economy in the autumn, as its previous two packages were aimed at preventing

firms and households from bankruptcy amid the coronavirus pandemic, a close ally

of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. Akira Amari, head of the ruling Liberal

Democratic Party's tax panel, said in an interview with Reuters on Monday that

it was not out of the question that Abe could call a snap election this fall

before his term as the premier ends next September. Support for Abe has fallen

due to dissatisfaction with his handling of the pandemic, his attempt to extend

top prosecutors' retirement age, an arrest of an ex-justice minister and

suspicions of wasteful public spending in programmes to support tourism and

small companies. Amid deepening damage to his popularity, there has been some

speculation Abe may call a snap election. "The government is expected to compile

a full-scale economic stimulus package to support growth this fall as the

previous two were to protect lives, jobs and firms. In that sense, comprehensive

steps to boost the economy are not in place yet," Amari said."