Feb 8 • 13:32 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Takaichi secures majority in Japanese parliament and continues her controversial policies

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party has won a significant parliamentary majority, allowing her to pursue her economic and defense agenda.

The preliminary results of Japan's recent legislative elections indicate that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has secured 233 out of 465 seats in the House of Representatives, ensuring a parliamentary majority, especially with the support of its ally, the Japan Innovation Party, which gained an additional 20 seats. This victory grants Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a strong political mandate to continue implementing her ambitious economic and defense strategies, including a revision of national security policy and an increase in military spending to nearly 60 billion dollars a year alongside a substantial economic stimulus package worth 135 billion dollars.

Despite facing recent scandals that tarnished its image, which resulted in the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the LDP achieved a "decisive victory" according to Al Jazeera's correspondent Fadi Salama. The party managed to overcome its crisis by capitalizing on the increasing popularity of the current prime minister, reflecting a successful recovery strategy that has allowed it to earn more than 50 additional seats compared to the previous parliament. This result underscores Takaichi's growing influence and the LDP's resilience in the face of recent challenges.

The election results highlight a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, as Takaichi's strong majority positions her to advance her controversial policies. The focus on national security and military expenditure comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising, suggesting a potential reorientation of Japan's role on the global stage. This legislative win not only solidifies the LDP's dominance but also signals a commitment to conservative reforms and a robust defense strategy.

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