Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was heading for a landslide victory in snap elections on Sunday, with media estimates showing her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) regaining a strong majority in the lower house.
Riding a honeymoon boost as Japan’s first woman premier, the LDP was projected to win around 300 of 465 seats, potentially securing a two-thirds super-majority without its junior partner. The result would mark the party’s best performance since 2017 and reflect renewed voter support after losses driven by inflation and corruption scandals.
Takaichi has pledged aggressive fiscal measures, including a major stimulus package and a proposed suspension of the food consumption tax, even as Japan’s heavy debt load and rising bond yields unsettle markets.
Her victory could also strain relations with China, given her hawkish stance and recent comments suggesting Japan might intervene if Beijing moved against Taiwan.
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