Key Takeaways:
– Shigeru Ishiba has retained his position as Japan’s Prime Minister despite suffering a severe election setback.
– A parliamentary vote has made Ishiba head of a minority government.
– Ishiba’s approval ratings stand slightly above 30% despite the LDP’s worst electoral result in 15 years.
– To stay in power, the LDP coalition is seeking assistance from the Democratic Party for the People (DPP).
– Ishiba is also trying to arrange a meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Retention Amidst Election Chaos
Despite a devastating election result, Shigeru Ishiba has managed to retain his role as the Prime Minister of Japan. His party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), recently experienced its worst general election showing in the past 15 years. Still, Ishiba’s role was solidified in a parliamentary vote on Monday. Now, as the head of a minority government, he’s steering into uncertain political waters.
Ishiba took charge six weeks ago and quickly scheduled an election for October 27. He hoped to secure his mandate as the LDP’s leader. Unfortunately, dissatisfaction with inflation and a financial scandal surrounding his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, led to a crushing defeat at the ballot box for the LDP and its junior coalition partner.
Monday’s Power Tussle
The members of Japan’s lower house gathered on Monday for a special session. It was necessary to nominate the prime minister after the general election. Despite opposition, they couldn’t organize a credible challenge to Ishiba.
In the first run-off since 1994, Ishiba pulled in 221 votes against Yoshihiko Noda, the head of the main opposition Constitutional Democrats. He won 160 votes. Shigeru Ishiba was then formally named Prime Minister by the lower house speaker, Fukushiro Nukaga.
LDP’s Struggle for Majority
Even though the LDP lost its majority in the October election, their coalition remains the largest group in the lower house. To pass further legislation, the LDP has turned to the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) for help. The DPP has agreed to support on a vote-by-vote basis but has chosen to stay out of the coalition.
However, it comes with a cost. The DPP is demanding tax cuts and energy subsidies which could drastically cut government revenues.
Turn to the U.S. amid Domestic Trouble
Ishiba, who is 67, is reportedly seeking a meeting with the U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump. Some analysts fear fresh U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods under Trump could further fuel inflation. Moreover, there are concerns that the Trump administration may put pressure on Japan to increase its defense spending or urge Japanese firms to expand their US factories.
Discontent Within and Without
Approval ratings for Ishiba are barely over 30%. Yet, polls suggest a majority of the public think he should remain Prime Minister. Ishiba also has to contend with dissatisfaction brewing within his party. The LDP lost a significant number of seats in October’s elections, sparking internal unrest.
If Ishiba fails to improve his public standing, many within the LDP might consider a leadership change. This adds to the pressure on Ishiba, who also has to handle the DPP’s demands and maintain a balance with international relations, most notably with the US.