Japan Ruling Bloc Hits Setback in Tokyo Vote Ahead of Olympics
- Coalition fails to secure majority in metropolitan assembly
- LDP may expand spending plans before general election
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Japan’s ruling coalition fell short of a majority in a Tokyo assembly vote, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is expected to call a general election after the Olympics, which start in about three weeks.
Suga’s Liberal Democratic Party, which previously had 25 seats in the 127-seat assembly, took 33 spots in the Sunday election, according to data from public broadcaster NHK. Coalition partner Komeito stayed at 23 seats, with the two falling short of the 64 needed to secure a majority. The main national opposition force, the Constitutional Democratic Party, almost doubled its representation from eight to 15 seats, NHK said.