Japan government restructured

Japan has unveiled a new government structure in an effort to increase efficiency and strengthen political control over policy.

The Prime Minister is being given more authority in decision-making rather than relying on consensus.

And the number of government agencies and ministries is being reduced from twenty-three to thirteen by merging several portfolios.

The Finance Ministry also loses significant authority with a new body, the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, headed by the Prime Minister, taking over the drafting of the national budget.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service