Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing fierce backlash from opposition leaders after dissolving the lower house of parliament on January 24, 2026—the first such move during a regular Diet session opening in six decades. Critics argue the decision prioritizes political maneuvering over urgent national needs. 💼
The dissolution came just as lawmakers were set to review the fiscal 2026 budget, raising concerns about delays in addressing Japan's rising inflation and economic challenges. Yoshihiko Noda of the Centrist Reform Alliance called the move 'unjustified,' while Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki accused the PM of 'putting the economy second.' 📉
Japanese Communist Party chair Tomoko Tamura highlighted the strain on households: 'People are struggling with prices soaring like anime rocket ships 🚀, yet the government chooses chaos over debate.' The Social Democratic Party's Mizuho Fukushima warned that 'self-serving politics' could worsen public trust.
With the election notice set for January 27 and voting on February 8 🗓️, analysts say this snap poll could reshape Japan's political landscape—and determine whether Takaichi's gamble pays off.
