Overview

• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba convened a three‑party leaders’ meeting and pledged to establish a council under the LDP policy chief to start consultations promptly on the proposed scheme.
• The Constitutional Democratic Party said formal technical discussions with the LDP and Komeito will begin next week to work through design issues for the tax credit with payment.
• Party officials caution that building a workable system could take two to three years because it requires precise data on incomes and assets.
• Sanae Takaichi formally launched her LDP leadership bid and showcased a pragmatic platform that incorporates opposition ideas, including the tax credit and fuel tax measures.
• Nippon Ishin indicated it may consider joining the ruling coalition to advance its priorities, while Kokumin Minshu will assess whether the next LDP chief upholds prior three‑party understandings before committing.