Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday she is always thinking about the necessary steps for “political stability,” not ruling out expanding the ruling coalition led by her party as a means to that end.
At a press conference in New York after delivering a speech at the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, Takaichi also said legislation related to the government’s plan to cut the consumption tax on food products and its effort to diversify crude oil suppliers will be discussed at a parliamentary session from next month.
“We will produce results by enacting laws relevant to the public,” Takaichi said, pledging to “sincerely discuss with opposition parties, seek their understanding and work together to advance policies in broader areas where we can find common ground for enhancing people’s livelihood and serving national interest.”
The ruling coalition of Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party, holds an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives but remains a minority in the less powerful upper chamber, the House of Councillors.
Speculation has been rife over the ruling camp’s possible expansion to include some opposition forces, especially the Democratic Party for the People, which has opposed the consumption tax cut plan on food and beverages from 8 percent to 1 percent for two years from April next year.
