Takaichi Obtains Majority in Lower House Ahead of Budget Votes

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition added three independent lawmakers, securing a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament ahead of two key budget votes.

Her Liberal Democratic Party welcomed the three lawmakers belonging to the “Reform Association” parliamentary group to its ruling coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki told reporters Friday. That brings the coalition’s total number of seats in the lower house to 233, creating a razor-thin majority in the chamber of 465 seats. The additions will enable the coalition to govern with greater stability, Suzuki said.