Budget priority shaped Japan’s political agenda as the Diet reelected Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s 105th prime minister. Lawmakers confirmed her appointment during a special session on Wednesday following the recent lower house election. Soon afterward, she formed her second Cabinet and reappointed all ministers from her previous administration.
Earlier in the morning, ministers resigned collectively at an extraordinary Cabinet meeting to allow formal reappointment. Later that evening, Takaichi finalized her Cabinet lineup without adding new coalition partners. She emphasized administrative continuity and stable governance amid delayed fiscal deliberations.
Before lawmakers voted for prime minister, the House of Representatives elected Eisuke Mori of the Liberal Democratic Party as speaker. Meanwhile, Centrist Reform Alliance member Keiichi Ishii secured the vice speaker role during the plenary session. These appointments paved the way for renewed legislative activity.
After confirmation in both chambers, Takaichi met Japan Innovation Party leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. They agreed to maintain their coalition arrangement without altering ministerial portfolios. Consequently, Takaichi preserved her previous Cabinet structure and avoided reshuffling key positions.
The government now aims to accelerate passage of the next fiscal year’s budget. The dissolution of the lower house at the start of the ordinary Diet session in January disrupted deliberations. Therefore, budget priority stands at the forefront of the administration’s immediate objectives.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that officials would respond earnestly to parliamentary scrutiny. He stressed that the government would work diligently to secure swift approval of the budget bill. Moreover, Takaichi pledged to pursue responsible and proactive fiscal management.
The special Diet session will run for 150 days, concluding on July 17. On Friday, Takaichi will deliver a policy speech outlining legislative goals for the term. Subsequently, lawmakers will question government representatives before the lower house Budget Committee begins detailed review.
Analysts say rapid budget approval could reinforce investor confidence and stabilize fiscal planning. At the same time, Takaichi has reiterated her intention to pursue constitutional revision during her tenure. However, she must first secure consensus around the pressing budget priority.
Takaichi’s reelection signals policy continuity and coalition stability following the recent general election. Nevertheless, the coming weeks will test her leadership as lawmakers debate spending plans and broader reforms.
