Takaichi Calls Early Election, Drawing Criticism Over Delay of Fiscal 2026 Budget

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced plans to call an early election, a move critics say prioritizes political advantage over the enactment of Japan’s initial fiscal 2026 budget, which begins in April. The decision appears to contrast with her earlier pledge to focus on policy implementation.

At a press conference, Takaichi explained that she concluded a series of diplomatic meetings last week, including summits in Japan with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She also noted that the announcement coincides with the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which claimed over 6,000 lives in western Japan. Takaichi, who hails from the Kansai region severely affected by the disaster, said she hoped the occasion would be observed in a calm and respectful atmosphere.

Regarding the budget bill for the upcoming fiscal year, Takaichi expressed hope that lawmakers would approve it “as soon as possible” to minimize potential economic disruptions. She added that this urgency influenced her decision to schedule the general election for February 8. The contest will mark the first Lower House election held in February since 1990, raising concerns that heavy snowfall could hamper campaigning efforts.

Opposition leaders were quick to criticize the timing. Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the CDPJ-Komeito alliance and a former prime minister, questioned the need for immediate dissolution of the Diet. “It is the government’s duty to ensure the fiscal 2026 budget passes within fiscal 2025 to address rising prices. Why now?” he said, adding that the early date could affect snowbound regions and students taking entrance exams.

Takaichi also dismissed the opposition’s unity, labeling the CDPJ-Komeito partnership as “an election-only alliance” and expressing skepticism that Komeito, a former coalition partner, would genuinely back the party it opposed just six months ago in the upper house race.