Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the main opposition Japan Innovation Party have reached an agreement to form a coalition government, with the two parties expected to sign relevant documents on Oct. 20, according to Kyodo News.
The coalition virtually ensures that LDP leader Sanae Takaichi will be elected as prime minister in the parliamentary vote scheduled for the day after tomorrow, which would make her Japan's first female prime minister.
Following high-level talks on Oct. 18, the LDP pledged to work toward reducing the maximum food consumption tax rate from the current 10% to zero and cutting the number of parliamentary seats, among other policy compromises. Under the coalition arrangement, members of the Japan Innovation Party will not join the new cabinet but will provide external support to the government.
Despite the coalition agreement, analysis indicates that the combined seats of the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party still fall short of a majority in the House of Representatives. This suggests that Sanae Takaichi's administration could face significant challenges in governing.
Related News:
German scholar unveils book on Japan's wartime human experiments in China
Sanae Takaichi apologizes for ruling coalition breakup, vows to 'absolutely become Prime Minister'
Comment