Japan’s new PM Takaichi eyes parliament dissolution for snap polls: Report

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 13, 2026 at 08:30 AM

AI Summary

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office less than three months ago, is reportedly considering dissolving parliament's lower house next week to call snap elections. According to sources cited by Kyodo and Yomiuri Shimbun, Takaichi aims to dissolve the Diet on either January 17 or 23, potentially leading to elections in early to mid-February. This move is intended to increase the ruling coalition's majority, comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party. Takaichi hopes a larger majority will enable her to implement her political and fiscal agenda, including increased fiscal spending and stronger intelligence capabilities. Opposition parties are strategizing to counter Takaichi's coalition in the event of early elections.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Democratic Party for the People 30% NHK News 30% Lee Jae Myung 30% Komeito 30% Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan 30% Japan Innovation Party 40% Yomiuri Shimbun ×240% Kyodo News Agency ×250% Diet 60% Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ×470% Japan ×680% Sanae Takaichi ×890%

Keywords

snap election 100% parliament dissolution 90% sanae takaichi 80% japanese prime minister 70% fiscal agenda 60% political agenda 60% ruling coalition 50% liberal democratic party 50% parliamentary seats 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: 0.10

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Japan

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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snap election parliament dissolution sanae takaichi japanese prime minister fiscal agenda political agenda ruling coalition liberal democratic party parliamentary seats

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