Japan’s new PM Takaichi faces early test as coalition talks stall

Japan's new ruling party leader, Sanae Takaichi, has yet to reach an agreement with the party’s longtime coalition partner Komeito about continuing their alliance, a delay that highlights the challenges she faces in building a stable administration.

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Even with Komeito on board, the Liberal Democratic Party lacks a majority in both houses of parliament. That makes it imperative for Takaichi to get the longstanding ally to continue its support before she cuts deals with other parties to obtain the numbers needed to pass budgets and push ahead with policy.

While the most likely outcome is that the two parties will reach agreement in the coming days, the delay shows the level of reservations Komeito has over Takaichi’s right-wing views and her response to funding scandals within the LDP.