Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi’s chances of becoming prime minister next week increased after Nippon Ishin no Kai, the second largest opposition party, emerged as a possible coalition partner, taking the place of Komeito, which recently severed its tie with the LDP.
In a meeting between Takaichi and Hirofumi Yoshimura, Nippon Ishin’s leader and Osaka’s governor, on Wednesday evening in Tokyo, the two parties agreed to kick off discussions to coordinate policies for a possible coalition alliance. If they reach an agreement, Nippon Ishin is expected to back Takaichi in a vote for the post of prime minister next week.
“I judged that there is a foundation for discussions,” said Yoshimura after the meeting. “We’ll be discussing the details from here on.”
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