US EditionJapan's Takaichi Calls for Snap Election
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to secure a public mandate for suspending the 8% food tax and boosting defense spending amid tense Japan-China ties and rising bond yields.
- On January 23, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will dissolve the House of Representatives and call a snap election for all 465 seats to seek backing for spending plans.
- Ms Takaichi, elected three months ago as Japan's first woman prime minister, called the election to capitalise on strong public support and shore up a fragile coalition majority.
- Campaigning will kick off after dissolution, with parties scrambling to outline policies as an NHK poll last week found 45% cite prices and 16% cite diplomacy as top worries.
- The contest will be closely watched internationally given Japan's strategic role and alliances, and a strong government mandate could enable more assertive domestic and foreign policy.
- Analysts note the decision comes amid fiscal and demographic strains and security worries, expecting turnout and engagement as key metrics to watch while opposition parties vigorously contest her policies.
120 Articles
120 Articles
Japan's first Prime Minister, Takaichi, is governed by a narrow majority, which is not enough for her ambitious reform plans, which is why she wants to dissolve Parliament on Friday.
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF)
To this end, the House of Commons was dissolved on 23 January, the Sanae Takaichi, who was in office for only one quarter, announced.
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Seeks Stronger Mandate, Calls Snap Election On Feb 8
Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who admires Margaret Thatcher, became Japan's first woman prime minister in October, though she has shown little appetite for framing her leadership around gender.
Sanae Takaichi has only been in office as Prime Minister for three months. Now she is to be re-elected in Japan. The politician hopes to expand her majority and promises to boost the economy.
Japan's first female Prime Minister, Takaichi, has recently ruled by a narrow majority. Now she wants to use her good polling values to consolidate her power with an early new election.
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