Japan’s Minority Government Faces Budget And Reform Challenges In Extra Diet Session

Japan’s parliament began an extraordinary 24-day session to address a supplementary budget and revisions to political funds laws, marking a significant test for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's minority government, Kyodo News reported.

The administration now relies on opposition support to pass key legislation. I Photo: Wiiii Wikimedia Commons

The session, which will run until December 21, is the first since Ishiba’s ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives in October.

The administration now relies on opposition support to pass key legislation. Acknowledging the new dynamic, Ishiba emphasized the need to engage more collaboratively, stating he would "listen more carefully to the views of each party."

A key agenda item is an extra budget, expected to total around 13.9 trillion yen ($93 billion), aimed at alleviating the financial burden on inflation-hit households.

Debate on the budget is set to begin December 9. Ishiba is also expected to propose raising the income tax threshold from the current 1.03 million yen ($6,800), a move reportedly influenced by the small opposition Democratic Party for the People.

Additionally, the session will tackle reforms to the political funds law, following a high-profile scandal, as Ishiba aims to regain public trust and political stability. This parliamentary session represents a critical test of Ishiba’s leadership and his ability to navigate the challenges of governing without a majority.