The Democratic Liberal Party (PLD), ahead of the government in Japan for decades, suffered a strong electoral setback in the parliamentary elections on Sunday (20), losing the majority in the High House of Parliament.
“We are still the party with the greatest representation. Despite the hard blow and many difficulties, many people supported us strongly,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a news conference after the results.
He stated at the time that he intends to continue office due to the general political situation and the “difficult conditions” that the country is going through, although it is already under pressure from some members of the political alliance with requests for resignation.
The governing coalition, made up of PLD and Buddhist Komeito, secured 47 seats, less than the 50 needed to keep the major majority in the upper timing after a tight weekend election.
The main challenges faced by the Asian country, which press the government, are the imposition of tariffs by the United States, the inflation and the fear that a strong earthquake or natural disaster can reach the territory at some point.
Ishiba stated that his priority is currently maintaining business negotiations with Donald Trump’s government before tariffs enter into August 1, as well as create regional offices to help small and medium -sized companies deal with tariffs.
Asked about the possibility of expanding the coalition to include other opposition parties, the prime minister stated that he has no intention at this stage, noting that his party “must be responsible and develop policies.” He also ruled out the possibility of a reformulation of the cabinet.
“We will seriously consult the other parties, we will talk about responsibility and continue with the policies about tariffs and disasters,” he added.
Right -wing parties grow in parliamentary elections
The surprise of the weekend came with the Japanese right -wing nationalist party Sanseito, whose slogan is “Japan in the first place”. He emerged as one of the great winners of Sunday’s elections, winning 14 chairs and becoming the third largest opposition force.
Another prominent was the Democratic Party for the people, which won 13 chairs, expanding their total presence in the upper camera to 22.
With the new setback, Japan’s ruling coalition will be deprived of a majority in both Parliament Houses, after its poor performance in the Low Chamber in the general elections of October, endanger the viability of the government.
