zeit.de
Ishiba Confirmed as Japanese Prime Minister
Shigeru Ishiba wins Japanese Prime Ministerial election despite coalition losing majority; faces domestic and international challenges.
German
Germany
PoliticsInternational RelationsElectionGovernmentJapanIndo Pacific
Liberal Democratic Party (Ldp)Democratic Party For The People (Ddp)Komeito
Shigeru IshibaYoshihiko NodaFumio KishidaDonald Trump
- What was unusual about this election?
- Ishiba's victory marks the first time in 30 years that an LDP candidate faced opposition in a prime ministerial election. This followed snap elections called after his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, resigned amid a corruption scandal.
- Who won the Japanese Prime Ministerial election?
- Shigeru Ishiba was confirmed as Japan's Prime Minister after winning a parliamentary vote against Yoshihiko Noda. Ishiba, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), secured 221 votes to Noda's 160.
- What are some major challenges facing Ishiba's government?
- Ishiba's minority government faces challenges, including navigating potential trade disputes with the US under a returning President Trump, regional tensions with China and North Korea, and addressing rising living costs within Japan.
- How will Ishiba's government function given that it lacks a majority?
- Ishiba's new cabinet will include some new members as three ministers lost their seats in the recent election. The new government will rely on support from the Democratic Party for the People (DDP) to pass legislation, although the DDP will not be part of a formal coalition.
- What was the outcome of the recent general election for the ruling coalition?
- The LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, lost their absolute majority in the recent elections but remain the largest bloc in parliament. Ishiba has ruled out resigning and will seek cooperation with other parties to form a governing coalition.