Japan’s political landscape is in flux after Komeito ended its 26-year coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The move has upended Sanae Takaichi’s bid to become Japan’s first woman prime minister, setting the stage for a fierce opposition push.
Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, called this “a once-in-a-decade chance for a change of government.” He plans to rally opposition parties behind a single PM candidate, with Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People emerging as a leading contender.
Despite shared goals, major policy gaps between the CDP and DPP could stall cooperation. In Japan’s Lower House, the LDP holds 196 seats, the CDP 148, the DPP 27 and Komeito 24. Takaichi needs 233 votes to secure her appointment, a tall order without her former alliance partner.
Analysts warn that a split opposition could hand Takaichi victory by default. Komeito’s party chief, Tetsuo Saito, framed the split as a stand for integrity after an LDP funding scandal, arguing that his party needed to uphold public trust.
As smaller parties like the anti-immigration Sanseito gain traction, Japan faces an unpredictable election season. For now, all eyes are on whether opposition leaders can overcome differences and seize their best shot at government change in decades.
Reference(s):
Japan main opposition eyes unified PM candidate to block Takaichi
cgtn.com
