In Japan, elections to the lower house of parliament were officially scheduled for February 8.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on January 23 that elections to the lower house of parliament will be held on February 8.

"In order to minimize the impact of the dissolution of parliament on the execution of the budget on January 23, it is planned to hold elections according to the schedule, in which the announcement will be made on January 27, and voting will take place on February 8," Japanese state television and radio broadcaster NHK quoted her as saying.

The elections will be held in accordance with the current electoral legislation. The new composition of the House of Representatives will determine budget priorities, form the government and influence key legislative initiatives.

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The day before, the Japanese government officially decided to dissolve the lower house of parliament on the first day of its convocation. The document was approved at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Prime Minister Takaichi announced her intention to dissolve the lower house and call new elections on Monday, January 19. She cited the need to "find out the opinion of the people" as the main reason.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.