Japan's ruling LDP renews push for aggressive fiscal stance for election

TOKYO - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, on Wednesday renewed its commitment to "responsible yet aggressive" fiscal spending to prop up the inflation-hit economy, as part of its campaign pledges ahead of a House of Representatives election next month.

The LDP will also consider a two-year suspension of the 8 percent consumption tax on food and beverage items to address rising living costs, according to the pledges. Opposition parties are expected to propose abolishing or lowering the tax rate.