Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, dissolved the Lower House of Parliament this Friday (23), paving the way for national elections on February 8, seeking to capitalize on her high popular approval ratings.
The early vote will determine all 465 seats in the Lower House of Parliament and will mark Takaichi’s first electoral test since his election in October.
On Monday (19), she promised to suspend the 8% tax on food for two years, echoing proposals from her rivals, despite the potential pressure on the country’s already precarious finances.
A new political party, formed last week from two major opposition parties, has called for the abolition of the 8% tax on food sales.
The official election campaign will begin on January 27th. If the ruling LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) and the Japan Innovation Party win a majority, Takaichi will be confirmed as prime minister in an extraordinary parliamentary session.
