On February 18, Sanae Takaiichi was re-elected as Japan’s Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support to pass the upcoming budget and tax reform legislation.
In a statement on her social media profile, Takaiichi announced, “Today marked the 221st extraordinary session of the parliament, and I have been entrusted to continue my duties as the 105th Prime Minister of Japan. This signifies the beginning of the ‘Takaiichi Cabinet 2.0.'”
In this election, Takaiichi secured 354 votes out of 465, a significant increase from the 237 votes she received three months prior in the House of Representatives. She noted that her previous government formation was precarious, achieved with only four votes above the majority. Currently, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds the largest number of seats in the parliament in 70 years.
During this parliamentary session, the LDP aims to collaborate with opposition parties on essential legislation that must be approved by the end of the current fiscal year, including next year’s budget and tax reform laws.
“We will strive for their swift passage, guided by the principle of ‘everything for the peace of the people and building a strong economy.’ A nation that does not challenge itself has no future,” stated the Prime Minister.
In the lead-up to this election, the ruling LDP, along with its smaller coalition partner, Japan Innovation, secured over two-thirds of the seats in the lower house of parliament on February 8, totaling at least 310 seats. This outcome enables the party to overcome vetoes from the upper house and paves the way for potential constitutional amendments. Takaiichi indicated that she does not plan to alter the cabinet, which has been in place for only three months.
The LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955. Prior to this election, the party held 199 seats in the House of Representatives. On January 19, Prime Minister Takaiichi dissolved the lower house of parliament, leading to national elections for its 465 members scheduled for February 8. She described this decision as “extremely significant” and one that would shape Japan’s future alongside its citizens.
Sanae Takaiichi has been re-elected as Japan's Prime Minister, calling for cooperation with opposition parties on critical legislative matters. Her government, now with a stronger parliamentary majority, aims to advance the budget and tax reforms before the fiscal year's end.