Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba secured victory in a run-off vote within parliament, allowing him to retain his position after a recent electoral setback that resulted in his coalition losing its majority in the lower house.
Ishiba, 67, has assumed the role of prime minister following Fumio Kishida‘s resignation in September, a departure prompted by a wave of scandals that undermined public confidence in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
In a remarkable session of parliament on Monday, Ishiba emerged victorious over Yoshihiko Noda, the head of the primary opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
Ishiba faces the challenge of managing internal conflicts within his party, addressing economic difficulties, and responding to a shifting landscape in international relations.
Leading a minority government presents significant challenges, particularly in navigating the demands of the opposition bloc for the passage of future bills or budgets. Concerns are mounting over the possibility of political gridlock in a hung parliament.
Ishiba, a former defence minister, has established a reputation in Japanese politics for candid criticisms of prominent figures within his party, including Prime Minister Kishida and the country’s longest-serving leader, Shinzo Abe. His reputation garnered support from voters despite causing some discontent among members of his party.
Ishiba ascended to the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 1, securing the position of prime minister after a closely contested election among party candidates.
Just days into his tenure, he announced a surprise election for the lower house of parliament, aiming to strengthen his mandate. The election gamble did not pay off, as the LDP experienced a significant setback, losing its parliamentary majority in the worst result in more than ten years.
“Following the election, Ishiba conveyed to national broadcaster NHK that the Japanese populace has voiced a clear expectation for the LDP to engage in introspection and align its actions with the will of the people.”
The cabinet under Ishiba is expected to maintain its current composition, with changes occurring only among those members who have been ousted in the recent election.
The ruling party, once dominant, is facing growing unpopularity amid Japan’s economic struggles, characterized by rising inflation, a stagnant economy, and a depreciating yen.
In recent years, the Liberal Democratic Party has faced increasing scrutiny due to a series of political scandals. These controversies include connections to the contentious Unification Church and accusations that its members concealed millions of dollars in fundraising donations. Kishida’s announcement in August regarding his resignation as prime minister highlighted both cases as pivotal factors contributing to the party’s crisis of trust.
Ishiba encounters a significant hurdle in foreign policy, as Donald Trump‘s recent election win may usher in a continuation of his protectionist agenda, raising concerns over possible new trade tariffs that could particularly impact Japanese steel exports.
Ishiba has committed to reforming the Liberal Democratic Party, stimulating economic growth, and increasing defence defence spending twofold. He supported socially liberal policies, such as marriage equality and permitting couples to adopt separate surnames. However, he has since advocated for additional dialogue on these matters, aligning with the more conservative position of the LDP.
