TOKYO – Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government may now depend on the support of two small opposition parties after a significant defeat for the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito in the recent general election. The LDP’s worst performance since 2009 has left Ishiba’s administration vulnerable, just weeks after he assumed office on October 1.
Voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition over a political slush fund scandal that has marred the LDP’s image, impacting its support base. Now, the two minor opposition parties hold the power to either stabilize or destabilize Ishiba’s government, forcing him to potentially navigate a more complex political landscape than initially expected.
The coming weeks will determine whether these opposition parties choose to cooperate with Ishiba’s administration or leverage their newfound influence to challenge government policies, adding a layer of uncertainty to the Prime Minister’s plans.