TOKYO, Japan: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is evaluating alliances to stabilize his government after electoral setback.
Following Sunday’s election, his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Komeito, failed to secure a parliamentary majority, marking their poorest performance since 2009 reports AFP.
This outcome, partly attributed to public discontent over a slush fund scandal that impacted the LDP’s former leader, has raised the possibility of a minority government led by Ishiba.
Ishiba has expressed intentions to govern without broad coalitions but has engaged in talks with opposition leaders, notably the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), whose 28 seats could ensure a parliamentary majority for the LDP-Komeito coalition. DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki has indicated openness to discussions, though no concrete agreements have been reached.
The political shake-up has generated economic concerns as well, with business leaders and investors fearing policy gridlock amid Japan’s economic challenges. The yen fell to a three-month low following the election, partially reflecting market anxiety over potential delays in fiscal reforms. This uncertainty emphasizes the urgency for Ishiba’s government to find a viable path forward to maintain political stability and restore public confidence.
