// Office of the Prime Minister of Japan
As a result of the snap elections on February 8, the Liberal Democratic Party, led by Takichi, increased its representation in parliament from 198 to 316 seats, while its ally, the Innovation Party, raised its number of seats from 36 to 38. This was a significant victory for the ruling coalition, while the opposition alliance of Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party saw their representation decrease from 167 to 49 seats.
Immediately after the elections, the cabinet of ministers resigned, which is mandatory under the Japanese constitution, and Takichi is expected to present a new government soon. It is anticipated that most of the current ministers, including Toshimitsu Motegi (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Shinjiro Koizumi (Minister of Defense), and Satsuki Katayama (Minister of Finance), will retain their positions.
Sanae Takichi is known for her hardline views on security, including calls to revise Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, which prohibits militarism. Although she has expressed her intention to amend the constitution after the elections, specific details have yet to be announced. Constitutional reforms will require the support of two-thirds of the members of both houses of parliament and a nationwide referendum. Japanese media emphasize that the constitution has not been amended since its adoption in 1947.
According to information from the Associated Press, among the top priorities of the new government will be combating rising prices and stagnant wages, as well as passing a budget that was postponed due to the elections.
Previously, Takichi's statements regarding Taiwan negatively impacted relations with China. In December, she stated that Japan's defense spending would reach 2% of GDP ahead of schedule, by 2027. Later, the cabinet approved a defense budget with record expenditures of about $58 billion. Reports indicate that Tokyo is considering developing nuclear submarines, and Takichi plans to enhance intelligence sharing with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, as well as combat espionage.
Support for Takichi has also been expressed previously by U.S. President Donald Trump. She also advocates for stricter immigration policies and control over foreign citizens.
