Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party has forged a new, potentially fragile coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, securing the path for Sanae Takaichi to become the nation’s first female prime minister.
The agreement between the long-ruling LDP and the smaller, right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP) is expected to be formally signed on Monday. JIP lawmakers are slated to vote for Ms. Takaichi during a parliamentary session on Tuesday to confirm her premiership.
This new alliance follows the unexpected withdrawal earlier this month of Komeito, the LDP’s coalition partner for 26 years. Komeito’s departure necessitated swift negotiations to maintain a governing majority.
Concerns about the stability of the new government have emerged. Unlike previous coalition arrangements, the Japan Innovation Party will not initially send any of its members to serve in Ms. Takaichi’s cabinet.
To secure the JIP’s support, the LDP has reportedly agreed to pursue key issues championed by the smaller party. These include exploring a ban on donations from companies and organizations.
The LDP also committed to considering a sales tax exemption for food items. The JIP had previously proposed a two-year suspension of such taxes on food.
Ms. Takaichi’s ascendance to the prime minister’s office became possible after her victory in the LDP leadership election earlier in the month.
Her policy platform includes proposals for higher government spending and tax cuts, aimed at mitigating the impact of inflation on consumers. She also advocates for revising Japan’s post-war pacifist constitution to formally acknowledge the expanding role of the country’s military.
Ms. Takaichi’s regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates Japan’s war dead, including some executed war criminals, have drawn criticism. Some neighboring Asian countries view these visits as symbolic of Japan’s past militarism.