Japan’s ruling coalition suffered a major setback after losing control of the upper house in Sunday's election. With half the seats contested, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito secured only 47 of the 50 seats needed for a majority in the 248-seat chamber.
Amid this challenging result, party leader Shigeru Ishiba acknowledged the "harsh result" in a late evening address. He remains determined to stay on as leader, emphasizing the crucial tariff negotiations with the United States. 😮
The setback follows a disappointing lower house election in October—the coalition’s worst performance in 15 years—adding fuel to internal calls for leadership change. Analysts note that the last three LDP leaders who faced similar defeats stepped down within two months.
Speculation is rising over potential challengers such as Sanae Takaichi, Takayuki Kobayashi, and Shinjiro Koizumi, who may seek the top spot if the momentum shifts further. With important international tariff talks looming, Japan's political landscape is set for uncertain times.
Stay tuned as we follow this unfolding story and its implications for Japan's future on the global stage! 🤔
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
