<h1>Ruling coalition loses upper house majority, winning only 46 of 125 needed seats amid economic concerns</h1> The ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house election, failing to secure the needed 125 seats out of 248. The coalition won only 46 seats, falling short of the 50 required to add to their existing 75 seats. This marks the first time since 1955 that the party has lost majorities in both parliamentary houses, following an October lower house defeat. The Prime Minister expressed determination to continue despite calls for resignation or finding new coalition partners. Key voter concerns included rising prices, stagnant wages, and social security costs. Trade tensions with the US, including threatened tariffs, added pressure. Opposition parties gained ground, with populist groups promoting anti-foreigner policies and traditional values. The fragmented opposition refused coalition cooperation, deepening political instability and uncertainty over the government's future effectiveness.