Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is thinking about holding an early election for parliament in early February. The plan, according to sources cited by the Yomiuri newspaper, is aimed at taking advantage of Takaichi’s strong approval ratings since she took office in October as Japan’s first female prime minister.
The exact date has not been confirmed yet, but February 8 and February 15 are being considered.Takaichi’s party, the Liberal Democratic Party, is working together with the right-wing Ishin party, but they are still a few seats away from having a majority in parliament. The timing of the election could help the coalition secure a stronger position.
Takaichi has become popular with right-wing voters because of her strong position on China, but this has also created serious diplomatic tension. Last year, she said that if China attacked Taiwan, it could be a serious danger for Japan. After these comments, China advised its citizens not to visit Japan, cancelled official meetings, and stopped sending certain items that could be used by Japan’s military. These actions caused one of the biggest political disputes between Japan and China in many years.
The report about a possible election also had an impact on financial markets, as the dollar gained strength against the yen. Political experts believe that calling an early election could help Takaichi turn her strong public support into more seats in parliament, making her government and coalition more stable.
However, analysts say this move is not without risk. Even though Takaichi is popular, the ongoing tension with China could affect how some voters think. An early election would allow people in Japan to decide whether they support her leadership and her approach to foreign policy, especially on security issues in the region.
At the moment, both local and international observers are watching the situation closely. The decision could have an important impact on Japan’s politics and its relations with nearby countries. Many are now waiting to see when Takaichi will officially announce the election date in the coming weeks.