Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Taikachi plans to dissolve Parliament and call early elections, according to the leader of the allied party that forms part of her coalition reported this Wednesday (14).
According to the local press, the new election should take place on February 8th. The dissolution would aim to expand the prime minister’s base in Parliament. Senae Takaichi broke alliances with the liberal political party Komeito, and formed a new coalition with a right-wing party.
The vote will also provide an opportunity to test public acceptance of his plans to increase government defense spending amid rising tensions with China. The prime minister is expected to disclose the details of the new elections at a press conference on Monday (19).
Takaichi assumed the role of prime minister in October, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in the country. She is a native of Nara Prefecture, located on the island of Honshu.
