Hirofumi Yoshimura, the leader of her party's coalition partner, stated on Sunday that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi might call an early general election, following reports in the media that she was thinking about holding a vote in February.
Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, might be able to capitalize on her high approval ratings since assuming office in October if an early election is held.
Although her hardline position on China has won over right-wing supporters, it has caused a significant diplomatic rift with Japan's strong Asian neighbor.
After meeting with Takaichi on Friday, Yoshimura, the leader of the Japan Innovation Party, also known as Ishin, told public broadcaster NHK that he felt Takaichi's perspective on election scheduling had changed to a new "stage."
"I won't be surprised if she made the decision as reported by media," stated Yoshimura. According to government sources cited by the Yomiuri newspaper on Friday, Takaichi was thinking of organizing a snap election on February 8 or 15. According to Yoshimura, he and Takaichi did not talk about the precise date of any elections.
In an interview with NHK that was recorded on Thursday and broadcast on Sunday, Takaichi, a hardline conservative and supporter of large expenditure, remained silent about when she would call an election.
She stated that she had just given her cabinet ministers instructions to make sure the supplemental budget for this fiscal year was executed on schedule and that the budget for the fiscal year starting in April was approved by parliament.
"At present, I am focusing on the immediate challenge of ensuring that the public feels the benefits of our stimulus policies aimed at cushioning the blow of inflation," she stated.
