Japan’s Ishin opposition party convened an executive meeting on Sunday to consider the possibility of forming an alliance with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a decision that could significantly influence the selection of the next prime minister.
Ishin co-leader Fumitake Fujita indicated that the reformist, right-leaning party is negotiating the terms of a potential agreement with the LDP aimed at establishing a policy coalition by Monday. He did not provide specific details following the meeting, stating that the final decision will rest with him and co-leader Hirofumi Yoshimura.
Local media reported that the Japan Innovation Party, commonly referred to as Ishin, is expected to support the LDP in the upcoming prime minister vote. This support may enhance the prospects of Sanae Takaichi becoming the country’s first female leader.
Among the strategies under consideration by Ishin is extra-cabinet cooperation, which would allow the opposition party to back a minority government without formally joining the cabinet or establishing a coalition, according to Kyodo news agency. Meanwhile, TV Asahi reported that Ishin and the LDP are on track to sign a coalition agreement on Monday.
Currently, Ishin and the LDP hold a combined total of 231 seats in the powerful lower house of parliament. Although this figure falls two seats short of an outright majority, the likelihood of a cohesive alternative candidate emerging from the remaining opposition parties appears slim, thereby positioning Takaichi as the frontrunner in the vote.
The LDP is reportedly willing to accommodate Ishin’s demand for a 10% reduction in the number of lawmaker seats, a significant hurdle that had to be overcome for the deal, as noted by an unnamed source cited by TV Asahi.
This information was reported with contributions from Alastair Gale, Hidenori Yamanaka, and Kazu Hirano.
