(VOV) – The Japanese cabinet lawmakers approved the second stimulus package totaling 14.6 billion USD to revive the stagnate economy. The package, the second in 2 months, will be used mainly for social welfare, generating employment, and supporting small businesses.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda

The approval of the package ahead of the December 16 vote is unusual in Japan. Prime Minister Noda’s move has stirred criticism from the opposition party members, who said, Noda aims to take advantage of voters’ support in the coming election.