New Political Alliance in Japan: CDP and Komeito Unite Against Right-Leaning Government

Japan's opposition parties, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito, have announced a new political alliance to counter the ruling party's right-leaning stance. This move comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament and call a snap election. The alliance aims to present a unified centrist alternative.

In a bid to challenge Japan's ruling party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito have declared their intent to form a new political alliance. This development was announced on Thursday amidst Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plans to dissolve parliament next week, seeking to capitalize on her high approval ratings.

Komeito's departure from its 26-year partnership with Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in October marked a turning point, as they criticized the party's handling of a political funding scandal. The newly-formed coalition between the LDP and the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, paved the way for Takaichi's ascent as Japan's first female prime minister.

The CDP leader, Yoshihiko Noda, and Komeito chief, Tetsuo Saito, will jointly lead the new party, calling on other lawmakers to join. Although the LDP and Ishin hold a lower house majority, Takaichi faces challenges with a minority in the upper house. The alliance between CDP and Komeito aims to present a formidable centrist front in the electoral arena.

(With inputs from agencies.)