Japan PM Shinzo Abe dissolves parliament for election

[Dubious]

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has dissolved parliament, paving the way for a snap election.

Mr Abe is seeking a new mandate for economic reforms and is delaying an unpopular increase in sales tax.

But opinion polls conducted by local media indicate low support for the PM and that many people do not understand why he has called an election two years ahead of schedule.

Japan will now head to the polls in mid-December.

The dissolution of parliament was announced in the lower house by Speaker Bunmei Ibuki on Friday morning.

Japan's legislature, known as the National Diet, comprises the upper House of Councillors and the lower House of Representatives.

Mr Abe is expected to hold a news conference later.

On Thursday, he said he would use the election campaign to clarify his government's growth strategy, reported national broadcaster NHK.

A Kyodo News agency survey on Friday found that about 63% of people did not understand Mr Abe's reasons for going to the polls early. A separate survey by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that only 39% supported Mr Abe.

Though his popularity has fallen, Mr Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are still expected to win the election because of the weakness of the opposition.

Mr Abe has said he will resign if his coalition - which holds the majority in the lower house - fails to win a simple majority.

Lawmakers cheered 'banzai', or 'cheers' in Japanese, following the dissolution announcement
Sales tax rise delayed
Mr Abe launched an ambitious economic plan, informally known as "Abenomics", two years ago when he became prime minister.

Though Japan's GDP growth initially saw a lift, the economy continued to slide and Japan entered a technical recession this quarter.

It was exacerbated by a rise in sales tax in April, from 5% to 8%.

The increases were aimed at curbing Japan's public debt which is the highest among developed nations, but instead scared Japanese consumers off spending.

A second increase, to 10%, was set for October 2015 but Mr Abe has said that will be delayed by at least 18 months.

BBC News - Japan PM Shinzo Abe dissolves parliament for election

@Nihonjin1051

 

[Aepsilons]

I think Abe will not win this time, I doubt there will be an LDP majority, thus rendering him to resign his post. In fact, Mr. Abe acknowledged Tuesday that it would be “next to impossible” for his Liberal Democratic Party to maintain its number of seats after next month’s poll. The LDP held 295 seats, and together with coalition partner New Komeito’s 31, more than a two-thirds majority in the lower house, allowing the governing coalition to veto most upper house decisions.

I predict Japan will have new leadership by early next fiscal.

 

[Dubious]

I think Abe will not win this time, I doubt there will be an LDP majority, thus rendering him to resign his post. In fact, Mr. Abe acknowledged Tuesday that it would be “next to impossible” for his Liberal Democratic Party to maintain its number of seats after next month’s poll. The LDP held 295 seats, and together with coalition partner New Komeito’s 31, more than a two-thirds majority in the lower house, allowing the governing coalition to veto most upper house decisions.

I predict Japan will have new leadership by early next fiscal.

Good luck!

 

[BuddhaPalm]

Now we neutralized Japan and South Korea. Pinoys are sidelined and humiliated. Our attention now turns to India and Vietnam. They are already close to an alliance with USA. PLA ground forces must destroy these countries and overthrow their governments to secure our periphery security.

 

[ChineseTiger1986]

I think Abe will not win this time, I doubt there will be an LDP majority, thus rendering him to resign his post. In fact, Mr. Abe acknowledged Tuesday that it would be “next to impossible” for his Liberal Democratic Party to maintain its number of seats after next month’s poll. The LDP held 295 seats, and together with coalition partner New Komeito’s 31, more than a two-thirds majority in the lower house, allowing the governing coalition to veto most upper house decisions.

I predict Japan will have new leadership by early next fiscal.

Ozawa and Hatoyama need a push, which is good for the China-Japan relationship.

 

[Aepsilons]

Ozawa and Hatoyama need a push, which is good for the China-Japan relationship.

Well, to be honest I think there will be an upswing of the numbers of the DPJ and Club of Independent voted into legislative offices this term. If this happens, then this would lead to a loss of LDP majority control. Abe will resign as he had stated in prior press conferences. I have my bet on Tanigaki.

 

[ChineseTiger1986]

Well, to be honest I think there will be an upswing of the numbers of the DPJ and Club of Independent voted into legislative offices this term. If this happens, then this would lead to a loss of LDP majority control. Abe will resign as he had stated in prior press conferences. I have my bet on Tanigaki.

Well, at least you need a more moderate LDP member, since Abe is simply getting too right.

We need the regional stability, not a right-winger to stir up the conflict.

 

[Al Bhatti]

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has dissolved parliament, paving the way for a snap election.

Mr Abe is seeking a new mandate for economic reforms and is delaying an unpopular increase in sales tax.

But opinion polls conducted by local media indicate low support for the PM and that many people do not understand why he has called an election two years ahead of schedule.

Japan will now head to the polls in mid-December.

The dissolution of parliament was announced in the lower house by Speaker Bunmei Ibuki on Friday morning.

Japan's legislature, known as the National Diet, comprises the upper House of Councillors and the lower House of Representatives.

Mr Abe is expected to hold a news conference later.

On Thursday, he said he would use the election campaign to clarify his government's growth strategy, reported national broadcaster NHK.

A Kyodo News agency survey on Friday found that about 63% of people did not understand Mr Abe's reasons for going to the polls early. A separate survey by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that only 39% supported Mr Abe.

Though his popularity has fallen, Mr Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are still expected to win the election because of the weakness of the opposition.

Mr Abe has said he will resign if his coalition - which holds the majority in the lower house - fails to win a simple majority.

Lawmakers cheered 'banzai', or 'cheers' in Japanese, following the dissolution announcement
Sales tax rise delayed
Mr Abe launched an ambitious economic plan, informally known as "Abenomics", two years ago when he became prime minister.

Though Japan's GDP growth initially saw a lift, the economy continued to slide and Japan entered a technical recession this quarter.

It was exacerbated by a rise in sales tax in April, from 5% to 8%.

The increases were aimed at curbing Japan's public debt which is the highest among developed nations, but instead scared Japanese consumers off spending.

A second increase, to 10%, was set for October 2015 but Mr Abe has said that will be delayed by at least 18 months.

BBC News - Japan PM Shinzo Abe dissolves parliament for election

@Nihonjin1051

When will they learn from our far sighted politicians who put their complete energy and even their personal money for the sake of the nation.

 

[Dubious]

When will they learn from our far sighted politicians who put their complete energy and even their personal money for the sake of the nation.

Cant say much havent been following in details....

 

[Al Bhatti]

Cant say much havent been following in details....

No need to follow, the common man is in the same condition as in the first few years after the independence if not worse.

 

[Ragnar]

Now we neutralized Japan and South Korea. Pinoys are sidelined and humiliated. Our attention now turns to India and Vietnam. They are already close to an alliance with USA. PLA ground forces must destroy these countries and overthrow their governments to secure our periphery security.

That is terrific strategy.
But the real challenge for PLA after India and Vietnam would be Bangladesh.