Japan’s Diet convened for an extraordinary session on Thursday, focusing on significant topics such as political funds reform and a draft supplementary budget for a new economic stimulus package. This marks the first major debate since the governing coalition lost its majority in last month’s Lower House election.
The Upper House held a plenary session on Thursday morning, appointing chairs for standing committees and setting up special committees to address these issues. This session aims to facilitate thorough discussions on pressing matters.
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru addressed the session, emphasizing that in light of the Lower House election results, he will manage Diet proceedings by paying closer attention to the views of opposition parties. He expressed his desire for an open debate that leads to conclusions with broad public understanding.
Opposition leader Noda Yoshihiko of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan criticized the government’s supplementary budget, calling it too focused on the size of spending. He stated that his party would present alternative economic stimulus measures and push for a change in how the Diet operates, aiming for more meaningful debate rather than just rubber-stamping decisions made by the ruling coalition.
Prime Minister Ishiba will deliver his policy speech on Friday, followed by a three-day question-and-answer session starting Monday. This extraordinary session, set to run through December 21, marks the beginning of Ishiba’s first budget committee sessions as prime minister.
