Reference News Network, January 12 report: According to Japan's "Mainichi Shimbun" on January 12, Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto Asako is considering dissolving the House of Representatives when the regular session of the Diet (referring to the annual meeting of the Japanese Diet - our note) opens on the 23rd.
Analysis suggests that Hashimoto's goal is to strengthen the ruling party's foundation. In the context of uncertainty about the prospect of a coalition with the Japanese Restoration Party, given that people around her have advised an early dissolution of the House of Representatives to achieve the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) majority, Hashimoto has made this decision in line with the suggestion.
The report states that regarding the new fiscal year's initial budget bill to be deliberated at the regular session of the Diet, since a consensus has been reached on increasing the income tax exemption threshold, the Constitutional Democratic Party has expressed willingness to cooperate. The budget bill, which the Hashimoto administration highly values, is expected to be approved. Previously, most LDP members believed that the House of Representatives would be dissolved after the budget was passed in April. Many LDP legislators were shocked by the news of an early dissolution of the House of Representatives and expressed that it was "unexpected."
According to party insiders, including key figures who helped Hashimoto come to power, such as the LDP Vice President Asō Taro and the LDP Secretary-General Suzuki Shunichi, who oversees election affairs and other party matters, the top leaders of the LDP were not informed in advance. According to a close associate of Asō, Asō holds a negative attitude toward dissolving the House of Representatives. Another MP expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "The dissolution plan was entirely decided by the prime minister's office."
According to a report by Japan's "Asahi Shimbun" on January 12, Hashimoto is considering dissolving the House of Representatives and holding an early general election upon the opening of the regular session of the Diet on January 23. She hopes to consolidate the ruling base, but due to concerns that a sudden political judgment might lead to criticism, Hashimoto chose a "mystical" political approach, only informing her close confidants, which could leave behind problems within the government.
"I haven't received any message from the prime minister. Dissolving the House of Representatives is the prime minister's exclusive power, but the current handling is strange," said a senior figure within the LDP on the 11th, expressing dissatisfaction.
In the House of Representatives election, communication between the party and government is crucial, involving candidate selection and the formulation of campaign platforms. Despite this, Hashimoto still chose an "unusual" approach, avoiding close contact with party members. (Translated by Liu Lin, Ma Xiaoyun)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7594456684953682495/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author themselves.