Japan＊s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is racing to secure parliamentary approval for its proposed spending plan before the fiscal year ends on March 31, but the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces a delicate balancing act as it pushes the record high ?122.3 trillion budget through the parliament amid opposition protest.
The budget cleared the Lower House on Friday, where the ruling bloc retains a supermajority. Yet the path through the Upper House is less certain. Lacking a majority there, the government must rely on cooperation from its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, and support from at least one opposition party to ensure smooth passage and avoid political blowback.
The urgency stems partly from Takaichi＊s decision to call a snap election earlier this year, which compressed the legislative calendar and delayed the start of budget deliberations. With the fiscal deadline approaching, the government now faces pressure to secure enough support to pass the spending plan while avoiding accusations that it is ramming legislation through parliament.
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