Following a major election loss by his governing coalition, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to work closely with the opposition to maintain his minority government. The Liberal Democratic Party and its partner Komeito lost their majority in the lower house of parliament, prompting Ishiba to seek support from opposition parties to stay in power.
In his first policy speech since the election, Ishiba emphasized the importance of forming a consensus with other parties to address the concerns of the people and implement necessary reforms. The loss of the majority means Ishiba will need to negotiate with the opposition on key issues such as the budget and legislation, potentially leading to more transparency in the decision-making process.
One of Ishiba's strategies involves collaborating with the Democratic Party for the People, a smaller party that gained popularity in the recent election. Their joint efforts to raise the basic tax-free income allowance and increase take-home wages have garnered support from various voter demographics.
Looking ahead, Ishiba aims to engage in discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance while advocating for a more equitable relationship. He plans to propose joint use of American bases with Japan's Self-Defense Forces and address issues related to the presence of U.S. troops in Japan.
Additionally, Ishiba highlighted the need to enhance Japan's defense capabilities in response to threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. He also committed to revitalizing Japan's economy, particularly in suburban areas, by focusing on wage increases, investment, and disaster preparedness.
As Ishiba navigates the challenges of leading a minority government, his administration's priorities include fostering collaboration with the opposition, strengthening international alliances, and promoting economic growth and resilience.
