Key Facts
• December 8: 2025 supplementary budget deliberations began in the House of Representatives.
• Ruling coalition lacks six seats for a majority in the House of Councillors.
• Opposition parties criticize the budget as “reckless fiscal management.”
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks cooperation from opposition parties to pass the budget.
• Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) proposes budget amendments with Komeito to challenge the ruling coalition.
• CDP criticizes the delayed submission of the budget, calling it “irresponsible.”
• Komeito remains undecided, expressing distrust toward the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
• National Democratic Party (NDP) pushes for raising the income tax exemption threshold.
• December 17: Parliamentary session deadline looms, intensifying negotiations.
• Seat reduction bill faces resistance from six opposition parties, risking delays.
• LDP considers extending the session to pass both the budget and the bill.
Summary
The Japanese parliament has entered a critical phase as deliberations on the 2025 supplementary budget began on December 8. The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, faces challenges due to its lack of a majority in the House of Councillors. Opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party, have criticized the budget as “reckless fiscal management” and are pushing for amendments. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Party seeks to raise the income tax exemption threshold, while Komeito remains undecided, expressing distrust toward the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The session’s December 17 deadline has heightened tensions, with the ruling coalition considering an extension to pass both the budget and a controversial seat reduction bill. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the political landscape.
