Key facts
- Japan's Centrist Reform Alliance has agreed to split.
- Lawmakers from the former Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito will form a caucus.
- The alliance was formed seven months ago to unite opposition against the ruling coalition.
- The group suffered a significant loss in the February lower house election.
- Former Komeito lawmakers will return to their original party.
- CDPJ members are considering forming a new party.
Lawmakers in Japan's main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, have agreed to a plan to split, with most members departing along their former party lines. This decision follows the collapse of three-way talks aimed at a fuller merger last week.
The alliance, formed seven months ago by lower house lawmakers from Komeito and the left-leaning Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), was an attempt to create a united opposition against the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. However, the group suffered a significant defeat in the snap February lower house election, reducing its seats from 167 to 49.
Following the election loss, discussions for a full merger involving upper house members and local organizations faltered. The CDPJ announced on August 28 that it could not proceed with the merger due to pushback from its lawmakers and local groups, leading to the abandonment of merger talks on August 31.
Under the proposed arrangement, departing former CDPJ and Komeito lawmakers are expected to form a caucus in the House of Representatives to maintain their status as the largest opposition group. Former Komeito lawmakers are anticipated to rejoin their original party, while CDPJ members are considering the formation of a new party. The Centrist Reform Alliance is expected to continue with at least one lawmaker.