Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, announced she will resign immediately if the ruling coalition fails to secure a majority in the general election scheduled for February.
During a policy debate with leaders of six major political parties in Tokyo ahead of the official start of the election campaign, Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan and head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), stated she would resign immediately if her coalition fails to win a parliamentary majority in the general election set for February.
The dissolution of the parliament paves the way for the general election on 8 February, expected to be fiercely contested amid economic pressures, soaring living costs, and challenges to political confidence.
In the debate, Takaichi emphasized the need for a major fiscal policy shift to strengthen Japan's resilience and prosperity, highlighting investments in risk management and future growth, which are included in the upcoming fiscal year's budget proposal.
However, the early election may delay budget approval amid a fragile economy and continuously rising prices.
Opposition party leaders used the debate platform to criticize the government on living costs, with Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the centrist Reform Alliance, proposing a reduction of the food consumption tax from 8% to 0% to ease the public's burden.
Meanwhile, Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, said that increasing the public's net income still faces many obstacles.
Other parties raised social and security issues, including social security system reform, foreign labor policies, low birth rates, and Japan's role on the global stage.
At the same time, Japan faces geopolitical tensions, especially in its relationship with China, after Takaichi suggested Japan might respond militarily if China acts against Taiwan. Additionally, there is pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump, who wants Japan to increase its defense budget. Takaichi has been in office only three months and enjoys about 70% approval after being elected Japan's first female Prime Minister in October. However, the LDP still faces pressure from corruption scandals and past ties to the Unification Church, also known as the "Church of Unity."
The outcome of this election will determine Sanae Takaichi's political future and Japan's direction at a critical juncture for both its economy and security.
. Source:CGTN
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