Japanese PM to dissolve parliament for election

TOKYO, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that she will dissolve the powerful Lower House of parliament this week for a general election to seek a public mandate on her fiscal policy. Takaichi, who became Japan's first female premier in October, announced her decision at a press conference. Takaichi said she will dissolve the Lower House at the beginning of an extraordinary session of parliament when it convenes on Friday. The election will be held on Feb. 8, with the official campaign beginning on Jan. 27.
"I want to ask the public directly to judge whether they will entrust the governance of this nation to me, Sanae Takaichi," said the premier. (end) mk.aa