Japanese Lawmakers Have Completely Let Themselves Go 0 8

An increasing number of lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party expect Prime Minister Takahichi Sanae to dissolve the lower house of parliament at the beginning of the next parliamentary session at the end of January.

In response to a question about a possible dissolution of the lower house, Takahichi stated that it is important for people to feel the effects of the government's economic policies and measures to curb rising prices.

Takahichi said that the government is currently working on addressing these issues.

Takahichi's administration now has a slight majority in the lower house after three independent lawmakers joined the LDP faction in the chamber. However, in the upper house, the party remains in the minority.

Within the ruling parties, there is a growing opinion that the prime minister will dissolve the lower house for early elections when the next parliamentary session is expected to begin on January 23. General elections may then be held either early or in mid-February.

The head of the LDP's political council, Kobayashi Takayuki, stated that the prime minister has the exclusive right to dissolve the lower house. He also noted that lower house lawmakers must always be prepared as if they were on a battlefield.

Before making a final decision, the prime minister may consider the potential impact of early elections on the discussion of the draft state budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as on public opinion.