The ruling bloc enacted the ¥88 trillion fiscal 2009 budget, the biggest ever, and related bills by using its huge majority to ram them through the more powerful Lower House on March 27, after they had been earlier rejected by the opposition-controlled Upper House.

The fiscal 2009 budget is 6.6 percent bigger than the initial budget for fiscal 2008, due to the massive increase in government spending to deal with the rapidly deteriorating economy.

Prime Minister Taro Aso had repeatedly said quick enactment of the budget was crucial to regenerate the economy, which is mired in the worst recession since the war.

With the successful enactment of the budget before the end of the fiscal year March 31, the Aso Cabinet will immediately start work on drafting an extra budget for fiscal 2009 to further stimulate the economy.