Japan’s leadership coalition loses grip on Parliament
(MENAFN) Japan’s leadership coalition, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has suffered a significant political defeat, losing its hold over the upper chamber of the National Diet. This outcome places the government in the minority across both legislative houses for the first time in more than thirty years.
The Liberal Democratic Party, alongside its junior partner Komeito, dropped 19 seats in the latest vote, bringing their total to 122 in the 248-seat House of Councilors—three seats shy of a majority. According to reports, this electoral setback adds to earlier losses when the coalition relinquished control of the lower house following Ishiba’s decision to call an early election amidst a corruption controversy involving members of his own party.
While the main opposition force, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, held onto its 22 seats, it was two smaller parties that made the most notable advances. The Democratic Party For the People, which has appealed to voters by pushing for tax cuts to ease the effects of rising consumer costs, and Sanseito, known for its hardline stance on immigration under a “Japanese First” message, both secured 13 seats. As a result, their seat counts now stand at 17 and 14, respectively.
Despite growing internal pressure for him to step aside, Ishiba has stated that he intends to continue in his role and collaborate with rival factions. “National crisis,” he said, describing the current situation. During a press conference on Monday, he outlined plans to pursue wage hikes in response to increasing inflation and stated, “I will engage US President Donald Trump directly to negotiate a trade deal.”
This political loss comes as Japan faces mounting economic difficulties, including persistent inflation and the threat of new US-imposed tariffs. The proposed 25 percent duties on Japanese exports are expected to take effect on August 1, further intensifying the challenges facing Ishiba’s administration.
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