The ruling bloc rammed three key bills through the Lower House Friday, including a permanent antipiracy law that lets the Maritime Self-Defense Force protect ships of any nationality and have greater latitude in the use of force, and a relaxed gift tax so parents can give their offspring funds to buy a home.
Although the antipiracy bill, the tax reform bill and a revision of the pension law were all rejected by the opposition-controlled Upper House Friday morning, the Liberal Democratic Party-New Komeito ruling coalition rammed them through a revote in the lower chamber using its two-thirds majority.
With these key bills out of the way, the focus of attention shifts back to Prime Minister Taro Aso to see if and when he will dissolve the House of Representatives and call a snap election.