During a Lower House Budget Committee session on February 17, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that the government would revise its fiscal 2025 budget proposal. This move is part of a broader strategy to attract support from Nippon Ishin, an opposition party that has been advocating for free high school education, among other policy issues.
In response to inquiries raised by Seiji Maehara, co-representative of Nippon Ishin, Ishiba explained that discussions were underway with the ruling coalition parties to adjust the draft. The proposed revisions include lifting income restrictions for government financial assistance provided to both private and public high school students starting in fiscal 2025, and altering the thresholds for additional aid beginning fiscal 2026. The adjustments aim to reflect a more inclusive approach, with proposals to set the maximum assistance based on the average private high school tuition.
Ishiba’s approach reflects the coalition’s need to secure votes from opposition parties as it seeks to pass its budget in the Diet, following the loss of its majority in the Lower House election in October. In addition to the measures discussed for high school education, the prime minister also expressed openness to implementing free lunches for elementary schools as early as next fiscal year. He mentioned intentions to meet with Nippon Ishin leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura soon to finalize the negotiations, which are essential for passing the budget before the new fiscal year begins.