key takeaways
- As the Diet session concluded on Wednesday, 17 December, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae faces several questions about how to bolster her government in the new year.
- With neither Ishin no Kai nor the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) wholly satisfied with their partnership – and the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) emerging as a constructive partner – she and the LDP may be thinking about changing the ruling coalition.
- Meanwhile, with Takaichi’s approval ratings still robust, she may also be contemplating a snap election that could strengthen her bargaining position in the Diet, though it is far from guaranteed that she will gamble on an early election.