Japan PM Takaichi to Dissolve Parliament for Snap Elections: Coalition Partner

• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house of parliament for snap elections, according to coalition partner Hirofumi Yoshimura.
• The dissolution is expected "at an early stage of the ordinary parliamentary session," which begins next week.
• Unconfirmed reports suggest elections could occur as early as February, with specific dates like February 8 or 15 previously mentioned by Yomiuri newspaper.
• Takaichi, Japan's first female PM, inherited an economy facing deflation and rising prices, leading to public pressure.
• The snap elections could disrupt her plans for the record $783 billion budget aimed at increasing social and defense spending.

Why It Matters: Japan's PM Takaichi will dissolve parliament for early elections amid economic challenges and political pressure.