Lawmakers agree to March 9 budget deliberations, avoiding weekend sessions

Lawmakers agreed to hold intensive Diet sessions on March 9, including one with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This avoids weekend deliberations, despite the ruling party's initial proposal. The ruling party had suggested Saturday, March 7, for deliberations to ensure the FY2026 budget passes by the end of the fiscal year. Opposition parties rejected this, citing concerns about workload and family commitments. The agreement allows for approximately 60 hours of deliberation, a reduction compared to previous years. Opposition parties expressed concern that this accelerated pace sets a negative precedent for future legislative processes.