(Adnkronos) – The Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has signed a coalition agreement with the opposition Innovation party, paving the way for the appointment of nationalist Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s new prime minister, who would become the first woman to hold the office. The agreement, signed by Innovation president Hirofumi Yoshimura and Takaichi herself, marks a definitive break with Komeito, a historical ally of the LDP for over 25 years. Among the conditions of the agreement are a 10% reduction in the number of Diet members, the Japanese Parliament, as well as a plan for a supplementary budget and the end of gas and electricity subsidies.
Yoshimura stated that both forces “share the same vision and the desire to strengthen Japan,” also announcing the intention to abolish the food consumption tax and prohibit political donations from businesses and organizations. Despite not having an absolute majority – with 231 total seats out of 465 – the new coalition appears overall solid in the face of a fragmented opposition.
