In a recent session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the distribution of catalog gifts, valued at approximately 30,000 yen each, to all 315 elected members of her party. Takaichi stated, "If I receive criticism, I would like to refrain," acknowledging that while the practice does not violate any laws, it might be seen as exceptional in nature. She emphasized the need to treat all elected members equally without showing preferential treatment to any individual.

The Prime Minister further explained that the total expenditure of around 10 million yen was significant for the Nara Prefecture's second electoral district branch of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, of which she is the representative. While she claimed that the funds were legally sourced from the party's electoral branch, the distribution raised concerns regarding its appropriateness and ethical implications, especially in light of the political climate leading up to the elections.

In another part of the session, Takaichi commented on the rising prices of electricity and gas resulting from military actions involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. She expressed her belief that even if there were increases in LNG import costs, electricity and gas prices would not rise immediately. However, she refrained from making any immediate decisions on extending subsidies for utility costs for the upcoming months, indicating a cautious approach to the current economic situation affecting residents.