Takashi Endo, parliamentary affairs chief of the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), warned that his party may leave its ruling coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) if talks on reducing House of Representatives seats falter. Endo stressed the need to enact a bill during the current parliamentary session, even if it requires extending the session beyond December 17. The LDP and JIP plan to submit a bill outlining the general framework for reductions amid ongoing negotiations.
On Thursday, Takashi Endo, parliamentary affairs chief of the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), stated in an interview that his party could consider leaving its ruling coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) if negotiations on reducing the number of House of Representatives seats fail. Endo, who also serves as a special adviser to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, emphasized that the JIP views seat reductions as an absolute condition for maintaining the coalition.
Endo said the bill to cut seats in the crucial lower chamber of parliament must be enacted during the ongoing session, "even if it means the session would need to be extended from its current end date of Dec. 17." The LDP and JIP intend to submit a bill that outlines the general framework for these reductions while further talks proceed.
However, cautious voices persist within the LDP regarding this push. The current parliamentary session is underway, set to conclude on December 17 unless extended. This development highlights tensions in Japan's ruling coalition over electoral reforms, with the outcome potentially affecting political stability.