Japan Ruling Bloc Eyes Extension of Diet Session until Early July

May 30, 2018

Tokyo- Japan's ruling coalition is considering extending the ongoing session of the Diet, the country's parliament, aiming to enact what it views as key bills including legislation to introduce casinos in the country, informed sources said on Tuesday.

The Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, are expected to focus on the option of extending the Diet session until early July, against the currently scheduled end on June 20.

"We need to extend the session until early July, in order to get the casino legislation enacted," a senior ruling coalition lawmaker said.

There are uncertainties over the possible extension, such as a possible no-confidence motion against the cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by the opposition camp and additions to Abe's diplomatic schedule.

On Tuesday, the ruling bloc refrained from putting work-style reform legislation, on which the Abe administration places top priority, to a vote by the House of Representatives, considering the persistent resistance of opposition parties. It now aims to hold the Lower House vote on Thursday.

Abe, president of the LDP, and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi met on Tuesday to discuss Diet proceedings toward the session end. Jiji Press