Japan PM Ishiba Urges Swift Passage of Budget to Address Middle East Risks; Lower House Approves
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called on the Diet to quickly pass the supplementary budget for the current fiscal year to address risks from prolonged Middle East instability. The budget, exceeding 31 trillion yen (approx. NT$610 billion), includes subsidies for summer electricity and gas bills, continued gasoline price support, and a new reserve fund for Middle East situations. The House of Representatives approved it on June 4, sending it to the House of Councillors, where it is expected to pass on June 5.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 20:58
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 21:07 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 15:31 (42h 23m after Collected)
In response to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Japanese Diet passed the supplementary budget for the current fiscal year on June 4. The budget, exceeding 31 trillion yen (approximately NT$610 billion), includes subsidies for summer electricity and gas bills, continued support for gasoline prices, and the establishment of a new "Reserve Fund for Middle East Situations etc." to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices on people's lives and the economy.
According to reports from TBS and FNN, the supplementary budget was first reviewed by the House of Representatives Budget Committee on June 4. The Reformist Party criticized the government for significantly increasing the reserve fund without presenting specific policy details and submitted a motion to revise the budget, but it was rejected.
Subsequently, the plenary session of the House of Representatives voted on the bill around 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM Taipei time). The bill was supported by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as well as the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, and the Team Future, passing with a majority and being sent to the House of Councillors for deliberation.
Although the ruling coalition is a minority in the House of Councillors, some opposition parties have already expressed support, so the supplementary budget is expected to be deliberated and voted on in the House of Councillors Budget Committee and plenary session on June 5, and subsequently enacted.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on June 4 that the government proposed the supplementary budget to address the uncertain risks that could arise from a prolonged Middle East situation.
He noted that the government aims to prevent impacts on people's lives and economic activities and will take swift measures when necessary. "From the perspective of minimizing risks, we will make thorough preparations in terms of funding," he said, calling on both ruling and opposition parties to support the swift passage of the budget.
According to reports from TBS and FNN, the supplementary budget was first reviewed by the House of Representatives Budget Committee on June 4. The Reformist Party criticized the government for significantly increasing the reserve fund without presenting specific policy details and submitted a motion to revise the budget, but it was rejected.
Subsequently, the plenary session of the House of Representatives voted on the bill around 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM Taipei time). The bill was supported by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as well as the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, and the Team Future, passing with a majority and being sent to the House of Councillors for deliberation.
Although the ruling coalition is a minority in the House of Councillors, some opposition parties have already expressed support, so the supplementary budget is expected to be deliberated and voted on in the House of Councillors Budget Committee and plenary session on June 5, and subsequently enacted.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on June 4 that the government proposed the supplementary budget to address the uncertain risks that could arise from a prolonged Middle East situation.
He noted that the government aims to prevent impacts on people's lives and economic activities and will take swift measures when necessary. "From the perspective of minimizing risks, we will make thorough preparations in terms of funding," he said, calling on both ruling and opposition parties to support the swift passage of the budget.