Tokyo, Jan 19 (NationPress) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed on Monday that she will officially dissolve the House of Representatives on Friday and conduct a snap general election on February 8, according to local media sources.

During a press conference, Takaichi stated that formal campaigning will commence on January 27 following the dissolution of the Lower House on the first day of the ordinary parliamentary session, as reported by Japan's news agency Kyodo News. This will mark Japan's first national election since Takaichi took office in October of the previous year.

Takaichi expressed her intent to seek public opinion on significant policy changes resulting from a coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party made in October last year. She aims for the ruling coalition to secure a majority in the upcoming elections.

She has committed to ending excessive austerity measures and emphasized her dedication to the long-term sustainability of Japan. Takaichi plans to establish clear and objective benchmarks to bolster market confidence in government finances.

Additionally, she proposed a two-year exemption on food from the consumption tax to alleviate the rising cost of living for households. Given that the ruling coalition only holds a slim majority in the lower house, Takaichi highlighted the necessity for political stability to facilitate the reforms she envisions.

The ruling coalition is in a minority within the House of Councillors and requires support from opposition parties to pass legislation and budgets. Critics have condemned Takaichi's decision to call for a snap election, arguing that she prioritizes political gains over passing the initial budget for fiscal 2026, which begins in April.

During her press conference, Takaichi emphasized her desire for lawmakers to swiftly approve the initial budget bill for the next fiscal year to mitigate any potential negative repercussions, which is why she set February 8 as the election date.

A former television anchor, Takaichi entered the realm of Japanese politics in 1993 by winning a seat in the Lower House as an independent. She joined the LDP in 1996 and first served in a Cabinet position under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She held the role of Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs and later became the first woman to chair the LDP's Policy Research Council.

From 2022 to 2024, Takaichi served as Japan’s Economic Security Minister and holds the record for the longest-serving Minister for Internal Affairs, a position she has held across several terms.

Takaichi, a prominent figure in the conservative wing of the LDP, was elected as the party leader after securing 185 votes, defeating Shinjiro, who received 156 votes in a runoff after no candidate achieved a majority in the first round.