JAPAN

Takaichi prepares provisional budget as the nature of debate shifts

The development has provided ammunition for the opposition to accuse the Takaichi administration for political mismanagement.

By The Japan Times

• March 25, 2026 at 3:01 AM

Takaichi prepares provisional budget as the nature of debate shifts Photo: The Japan Times

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama during a plenary session of the House of Councilors in Tokyo on Monday
By Michael MacArthur Bosack
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Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Tuesday that the government has begun compiling a provisional budget, signaling growing concern that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration will be unable to pass the budget by the end of the fiscal year this month.This has provided ammunition for the opposition to accuse the Takaichi administration for political mismanagement.Only weeks ago, the prospect of the Takaichi administration resorting to a provisional budget appeared remote
After all, it has been 11 years since a government has even drafted a provisional budget.

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