Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called a snap election as she attempts to capitalise on high approval ratings since becoming the country’s first female prime minister three months ago.
Takaichi, a conservative who is embroiled in a deepening dispute with China over the security of Taiwan, said on Monday she would dissolve the lower house of the Diet – Japan’s parliament – on 23 January, with an election to follow on 8 February.
Speaking at a press conference, Takaichi, who took office after the resignation of her predecessor, said she wanted voters to judge whether she was “fit” to continue in the role.
Describing the decision to call as snap election as “very difficult”, Takaichi told reporters: “I a
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