Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi fended off criticism for calling a snap election three months into taking office and doing so without consulting Liberal Democratic Party executives as she faced other party leaders at a debate at Japan¡¯s National Press Club Monday.
Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) co-leader Yoshihiko Noda condemned Takaichi¡¯s decision, arguing it led to delays in the implementation of anti-inflation measures and debates over the fiscal 2026 budget as well as put an additional burden on local municipalities.
¡°This dissolution was decided after sufficient economic measures had been identified. The government is working very hard to implement them,¡± Takaichi rebutted, noting that 70% of municipalities across the country have already started making preparations for the vote.
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