Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also leads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), announced on Monday her intention to resign if the coalition between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) does not achieve a majority in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for February.

According to Philippines News Agency, Takaichi made this declaration during a debate with other party leaders, just one day before the official 12-day campaign period for the February 8 election kicks off. Takaichi emphasized her commitment to facing public judgment following a significant political shift marked by the formation of a new coalition between the LDP and JIP. She also hinted at plans to propose a bill that would temporarily reduce the consumption tax rate on food products to zero in a potential extraordinary Diet session this autumn.

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the Centrist Reform Alliance, which consists of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, expressed his party's ambition to prioritize the needs of Japanese residents in their political agenda. Noda also stated that the new party opposes the construction of new nuclear plants in Japan.

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), voiced concerns over the LDP's decision to call a general election, noting that it complicates the passage of the government's fiscal 2026 budget bill by the end of fiscal 2025. Despite this, Takaichi remains open to exploring the possibility of including the DPFP in the ruling bloc.