Despite recent election setbacks, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has affirmed his commitment to remaining in office. He aims to address pressing issues like rising prices and resolve trade disputes, including high US tariffs.
In Sunday’s election, Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito fell short of securing a majority in the upper house, holding only a combined 3 seats less than needed in the 248-seat chamber.
The coalition now lacks a majority in both houses of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, although the LDP remains the dominant party.
Ishiba acknowledged the gravity of the election results but emphasized his priority of preventing political instability and tackling immediate challenges, particularly the August 1st deadline for a trade agreement with the United States.
“While I painfully feel my serious responsibility over the election results, I believe I must also fulfil my responsibility I bear for the country and the people so as not to cause politics to stall or go adrift,” Mr Ishiba stated.
“Challenges such as global situation and natural disaster won’t wait for a better political situation.”
The Prime Minister expressed his hope for reaching a mutually beneficial trade deal with the US and a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Sunday’s vote follows the coalition’s loss of its majority in the lower house election in October, a result attributed to past corruption scandals and public dissatisfaction leading to parliamentary concessions to the opposition.
The government has struggled to implement effective solutions for rising consumer costs, including staple foods such as rice, and declining wages.
President Trump has increased pressure by criticizing the slow progress in trade negotiations and the limited sales of US automobiles and American rice to Japan, even with a domestic rice shortage.
The impending imposition of a 25% tariff on certain goods, scheduled for August 1st, further complicates matters for Ishiba’s administration.
