Japan’s ruling coalition broke up on Friday, with junior partner Komeito rebelling against the Liberal Democratic Party’s new hardline leader, Sanae Takaichi, in a move that casts doubt over her premiership bid.

Takaichi, selected by the LDP as its new head in a weekend vote, must win approval in parliament to become Japan’s first female prime minister later this month.

While her party holds the largest number of seats, it is short of a majority , and the main opposition party has called for other parties to rally behind an alternative candidate.

Komeito Breaks Partnership

Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito told party members that the 26-year partnership had broken down over an “inadequate” explanation by the LDP over its handling of a political funding scandal that has dogged the ruling

See Full Page