Tokyo (EFE).- Japan’s Buddhist-backed Komeito party announced Friday that it will withdraw from its 26-year coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a decision that throws into doubt the appointment of newly elected LDP leader Sanae Takaichi as the country’s next prime minister.
The move was announced by Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito at a press conference after days of tension over Takaichi’s conservative positions and her decision to include in her leadership team a lawmaker embroiled in a political fundraising scandal.
The breakup threatens Takaichi’s expected confirmation as prime minister, since the LDP lacks a parliamentary majority on its own and had relied on Komeito’s support to govern.
“We have received many complaints from across the country saying that if we continue as before, we will not be able to rebuild our party,” Saito said, adding that ongoing LDP funding scandals have “eroded public trust in the government.”
Saito said Komeito will not back Takaichi in the parliamentary vote to select Japan’s new prime minister, expected to take place around Oct. 14 or 15, following the September resignation of Shigeru Ishiba.
The decision also ends prospects of future electoral cooperation between the two parties.
Komeito has been the LDP’s junior coalition partner since 1999, even maintaining the alliance during the LDP’s years in opposition from 2009 to 2012.
During a recent meeting with Takaichi, Saito had asked her to accept a proposal to restrict corporate and group donations to local party offices — a request she reportedly rejected, according to state broadcaster NHK.
The delay in naming a new prime minister, as Takaichi explores alternative coalition partners, could complicate the passage of a supplementary budget meant to address the effects of persistent inflation.
Japan’s diplomatic agenda may also be disrupted, with the ASEAN Summit set for Oct. 26 in Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump expected to visit Japan the following week. EFE
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