TOKYO (AP) – On Friday, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made headlines by dissolving the lower house of Parliament, setting the stage for a snap election scheduled for February 8. This strategic move aims to leverage her high approval ratings, which hover around 70%, to regain ground for the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) after suffering significant electoral losses in recent years.
Takaichi, who became Japan's first female Prime Minister just three months ago in October, is looking to strengthen her party's hold on power. However, her decision to dissolve Parliament has also postponed crucial discussions and voting on a budget intended to stimulate a struggling economy and address rising prices, factors that could influence public perception during the upcoming election.
Since taking office, Takaichi has garnered strong support, but her tenure has not been without challenges. Rising tensions with China have emerged following her pro-Taiwan comments, which suggest a potential Japanese military involvement if China were to take aggressive action against Taiwan. This rhetoric has prompted a backlash from Beijing, escalating economic and diplomatic retaliations against Japan.
As the dissolution of the 465-member lower house was announced by House Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga, MPs expressed their enthusiasm, chanting “banzai,” or “long live,” three times before rushing out to begin preparations for the 12-day campaign that kicks off formally on Tuesday.
Takaichi's strategy for an early election is predicated on expanding the governing majority in the more influential lower house of Japan’s two-chamber Parliament. Currently, the LDP coalition has only a slim majority in the lower house due to a significant loss in the 2024 elections and relies on cooperation from opposition members to advance its legislative agenda, especially in the upper house where it lacks control.
Critics, including opposition leaders, have condemned Takaichi's decision to delay the budget vote, emphasizing the need for immediate funding for essential economic initiatives. In a recent news conference, Takaichi asserted, “I believe that the only option is for the people, as sovereign citizens, to decide whether Sanae Takaichi should be prime minister. I'm staking my career as prime minister” on the outcome of the upcoming election.
As a hardline conservative, Takaichi aims to distinguish her administration from that of her centrist predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba. Takaichi is advocating a shift towards more aggressive fiscal policies, enhanced military buildup, and stricter immigration measures, which she believes are crucial for making Japan “strong and prosperous.” While her decisive and positive demeanor has resonated particularly well with younger voters, the LDP’s overall popularity remains hampered by lingering effects from political funding scandals.
Domestic political dynamics are further complicated by the emergence of far-right populist opposition parties, such as the anti-globalist Sanseito, which have attracted traditional LDP supporters amidst ongoing dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Concurrently, Takaichi is facing external pressures, notably from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Japan to bolster its defense expenditures in light of growing military competition between Washington and Beijing. Takaichi's administration is poised to advocate for significant increases in military spending, aiming to address not only Japan's defense needs but also the broader strategic imperatives of the region.
In summary, as Japan prepares for the impending election, the stakes for Takaichi’s administration could not be higher, with the outcomes likely influencing the country's political landscape and economic policies for years to come.
Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press
