Upper House election likely to take place July 20
The Upper House election is likely to take place on July 20 as government and ruling coalition officials are not considering extending the current parliamentary session, people familiar with the matter said.
The administration of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba thinks that there is no need to extend the parliamentary session beyond the scheduled end date of June 22 after legislation on reforms to the public pension system was enacted Friday.
The public offices election law stipulates that a triennial Upper House election be held between 24 days and 30 days after the end of a parliamentary session, meaning that this year's election will likely take place on July 20.
Whether the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan will submit a no-confidence motion against the Ishiba Cabinet is set to be the main focus in the closing days of the current parliamentary session.
Ishiba is not expected to call a snap election for the Lower House unless the CDP files a no-confidence motion.
Many CDP lawmakers are taking a cautious stance on submitting a no-confidence motion out of concern over a lack of preparedness for a Lower House election and over a possible backlash against creating a political vacuum.
CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda, speaking to reporters on Saturday in a Tokyo suburb, reiterated that he will decide what to do over a no-confidence motion "in a comprehensive and appropriate way and in an appropriate timing."
The CDP has been pressing for votes on a bill that would lower the gasoline tax and another that would introduce a selective dual surname system, issues that Ishiba's ruling coalition is reluctant to pursue. This may influence Noda's decision on a no-confidence motion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NHK
32 minutes ago
- NHK
Japan PM Ishiba expected to discuss tariffs with Trump at G7
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is set to leave for Canada on Sunday to attend the Group of 7 summit of world leaders. He is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss tariffs. G7 leaders are seen addressing urgent issues, such as the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the global economy will also likely top the agenda. Ishiba hopes to stress his stance to work toward the peace and stability of the international community, and confirm the importance of the G7's unity. Ahead of the Ishiba-Trump summit, negotiators from both countries held talks over the weekend. Japan's chief tariff negotiator Akazawa Ryosei spoke by phone with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Saturday, to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement. Ishiba is also expected to hold other talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit. These include his first bilateral in-person meetings with the heads of invited countries such as South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
NHK
an hour ago
- NHK
Japan's agriculture minister vows to drive down rice prices
Japan's Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has vowed to drive down rice prices to ensure that consumers will not shift away from the country's staple grain. Koizumi met with rice producers on Sunday in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Some farmers called for a fundamental change in the country's policy on agriculture. The chairman of JA Fukushima Chuou-kai, a local group of the national agricultural cooperatives, urged Koizumi to realize a price level that is satisfactory for both rice producers and consumers. Koizumi replied that it is imperative to rein in soaring prices before guiding them to an adequate level. He said this should prevent a shift away from rice consumption. He said the government will do all it can to bring down rice prices. He emphasized that the government is also considering farmers' interests. Koizumi was asked whether government statistics on rice quality and yields reflect the actual reality. He said he has heard such complaints from across the country. He assured the participants that the government is working to rectify the situation.
NHK
6 hours ago
- NHK
Japan tariff negotiator speaks by phone with US commerce secretary
Japan's chief tariff negotiator Akazawa Ryosei and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have spoken by phone to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement. They talked for about 30 minutes on Saturday. Akazawa is currently in Washington for negotiations on US tariff measures. The discussions were held with an eye toward the planned upcoming meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and US President Donald Trump. It is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada. The phone conversation between Akazawa and Lutnick followed their in-person meeting the previous day. On Friday, they discussed such matters as trade expansion, non-tariff measures and cooperation in economic security. Ishiba is set to leave Japan for Canada on Sunday.
