Japan Ruling Parties Agree Tax Plan as Possible Ally Objects

Japan’s ruling parties approved a tax reform plan for the coming year without securing an agreement with a key opposition party, raising the risk of further political gridlock for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s minority government.

Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito signed off on plans for tax changes for the next fiscal year on Friday, despite lacking support from an opposition party. The parties need the support of the Democratic Party for the People to secure the majority needed to pass the plan and other legislation if they can’t find other allies in parliament.