LDP
Japan approves 8.56 trillion yen stopgap budget for fiscal 2026 amid upper house delays
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The Japanese government approved an 8.56 trillion yen stopgap budget on March 27 to fund operations for the first 11 days of fiscal 2026 starting April 1, due to stalled upper house deliberations on the main 122.31 trillion yen budget passed by the lower house earlier this month. This is the first such provisional measure in 11 years, backed by ruling and main opposition parties, and expected to pass parliament on March 30.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday signaled her intention to pursue a revision of the constitution, stressing that the postwar supreme law should be periodically updated in accordance with the demands of the times. In a video message to revision proponents on Constitution Memorial Day, she vowed to explain potential amendments to the public and advance Diet discussions with other parties' cooperation. Meanwhile, rallies calling to keep the constitution intact were held nationwide.
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Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is split over a Japan Innovation Party (JIP) proposal to criminalize desecration of the national flag. Some LDP members call for passing a bill in the current Diet session, while others voice concerns about freedom of expression.
Multiple polls indicate that Japan's ruling LDP-JIP coalition is poised to secure over 300 seats in Sunday's lower house election, potentially achieving a two-thirds majority. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's high approval ratings are boosting LDP candidates in key races. The opposition Centrist Reform Alliance faces significant losses.
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The Liberal Democratic Party's grip on Fukui Prefecture is slipping ahead of Sunday's lower house vote, following a recent gubernatorial election that exposed major fractures within the ruling party. In the No. 1 constituency, seven-term lawmaker Tomomi Inada holds the upper hand in the campaign. However, the party faces challenges in the No. 2 district.
As campaigning unfolds for Japan's 2026 Lower House election, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is leaning toward temporarily reducing the consumption tax on food to zero. Caution prevails within the Liberal Democratic Party over fiscal implications, with implementation hinging on post-election discussions. The move aims to address voter concerns amid opposition pushes for tax relief.
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Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called a snap lower house election for February 8, marking one of the most unpredictable contests in years. Factors include a gap between her high approval ratings and her party's lower support, low youth turnout, the coalition split, a far-right challenge, and the winter timing. Surveys suggest the Liberal Democratic Party could gain seats in proportional representation.
Signs of Revival Among Disbanded LDP Factions Post-Election
February 26, 2026 07:31Consumption tax panel starts without two opposition parties
February 22, 2026 04:52LDP considers mandatory reporting by foreign agents
February 18, 2026 19:37LDP starts training for new lawmakers to avoid scandals after election win
February 10, 2026 14:57Japan's LDP cedes 14 proportional seats to other parties after landslide win
February 05, 2026 09:04Takaichi remains silent on tax cuts and Unification Church ties
February 05, 2026 01:3674% of LDP candidates favor limited consumption tax cut, but caution persists
February 03, 2026 11:08Prime Minister Takaichi avoids discussing Lower House seat cut plan
February 03, 2026 09:48LDP executive Hagiuda seeks to leave slush fund scandal behind
February 03, 2026 07:39Sanae Takaichi connects with young voters