Amman, Jan. 23 (Petra)-- Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, announced on Friday the dissolution of the House of Representatives, paving the way for early parliamentary elections on February 8.

Takaichi’s decision to call a snap election is aimed at capitalizing on her strong public approval ratings to expand the ruling coalition’s majority in the lower house, the more powerful of Japan’s two parliamentary chambers.

The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partners currently hold only a fragile majority in the House of Representatives following electoral losses in 2024, while the coalition lacks a majority in the House of Councillors and relies on opposition support to pass its legislative agenda.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the elections, Takaichi said:
"I believe the only option is for the people, as sovereign citizens, to decide whether Sanai Takaichi should remain prime minister. I am staking my political career as prime minister on this decision," according to Russia’s Novosti news agency.

Takaichi was elected last October, becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, and has been in office for just three months. Despite her short tenure, she enjoys strong public backing, with approval ratings of around 70 percent.

Her leadership comes amid rising tensions with China, following remarks seen as supportive of Taiwan. At the same time, Japan faces growing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to increase its military spending, as Washington and Beijing compete for strategic and military dominance in the region.

//Petra// MF

23/01/2026 14:03:19