Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives on Friday, with a snap general election scheduled for February 8. This move marks Japan’s first national election since Takaichi took office in October last year. Official campaigning will commence on January 27 after the Lower House dissolution on the first day of the ordinary parliamentary session, as reported by Japan’s news agency Kyodo News.
Takaichi emphasized seeking the public’s judgment on “major policy shifts” following a coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party last October. She aims for the ruling bloc to secure a majority in the upcoming polls. Additionally, Takaichi pledged to end “excessive austerity” while ensuring Japan’s long-term sustainability by establishing “clear and objective benchmarks” to enhance market confidence in government finances.
To alleviate the burden of rising living costs on households, Takaichi unveiled a plan to exempt food from the consumption tax for two years. Acknowledging the ruling bloc’s slim majority in the lower house, she stressed the importance of “political stability” to facilitate the government’s desired reforms. Despite the ruling bloc’s minority status in the House of Councillors, Takaichi’s call for a snap election has faced criticism from opposition parties, who accuse her of prioritizing political considerations over passing the initial budget for fiscal 2026, starting in April.
During the press conference, Takaichi urged lawmakers to swiftly approve the initial budget bill for the next fiscal year to mitigate any adverse effects, citing this urgency as the reason for setting the election date on February 8. A seasoned figure in Japanese politics, Takaichi transitioned from a career in television to politics in 1993, eventually joining Japan’s LDP in 1996. Over the years, she has held various key positions within the party and the government, advocating for conservative causes and becoming a prominent voice within the LDP.
