Prime Minister Takaichi Vows to Push Responsible Expansionary Fiscal Policy

"No Intention of Replacing Current Ministers"
Tax Cut Pledge Expected to Accelerate

Yonhap News Agency

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on the 8th that, now that a landslide victory for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has effectively become a foregone conclusion, she will strongly push ahead with responsible expansionary fiscal policy.

On the night of the same day, as it became certain that the Liberal Democratic Party alone would secure a majority of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to an interview with NHK, saying, "What I especially wanted to be judged on was a responsible expansionary fiscal policy that would bring about a major shift in economic and fiscal policy," and added, "In particular, we will steadily promote crisis-management investment and growth investment."

The LDP’s campaign pledges this time also include "expansionary fiscal policy." During the campaign, Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized "responsible expansionary fiscal policy," arguing that she would grow the Japanese economy through investment and achieve a "strong economy."

Regarding the lineup of ministers for the second Takaichi Cabinet, which will be launched soon, she said, "I think the current ministers are a good team," and added, "Since everyone is really working hard and delivering results, I have no intention of making changes."

However, she added that if the Japan Innovation Party, the coalition partner, were to put forward candidates for ministerial posts, "it would be something to consider." Concerning the campaign pledge to cut the consumption tax rate on food, she said, "We intend to accelerate discussions."

She also commented on the fact that, as a result of this general election, the ruling parties now hold an overwhelming majority of seats in the House of Representatives, while the House of Councillors remains controlled by the opposition, saying, "I appeal to the opposition parties to cooperate on areas where we can gain their agreement."