Tokyo, November 11, 2024 — The Europe Today: Shigeru Ishiba was formally reelected as Japan’s prime minister on Monday following a rare parliamentary runoff vote, reflecting the shifting political landscape after his ruling coalition lost its parliamentary majority. This outcome sets the stage for Ishiba to lead a minority government, signaling potential concessions to an increasingly assertive opposition bloc.
Ishiba, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), overcame his main rival Yoshihiko Noda, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), during the decisive runoff vote held at the start of a four-day parliamentary session. In the initial round, neither candidate secured the required majority of 233 votes in the 465-member House of Representatives. Ishiba ultimately garnered 221 votes, defeating Noda, who received 160.
Earlier in the day, Ishiba was also elected by the House of Councillors, where the LDP and its coalition partner, the Komeito party, maintain control. The reelected prime minister is set to announce a new cabinet later on Monday.
The LDP’s minority status, following losses in the October 27 general election, means Ishiba’s administration must be attentive to opposition demands. The CDPJ’s bolstered presence in the lower house, alongside gains by the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), adds complexity to the political calculus. The DPP, which has seen its parliamentary seats quadruple, has become a pivotal player courted by both ruling and opposition factions.
Shortly before the parliamentary session, DPP members confirmed their intention to support their leader, Yuichiro Tamaki, despite recent media scrutiny over an alleged extramarital affair, which Tamaki partially acknowledged.
To mitigate political turbulence and enhance government stability, Ishiba engaged in separate discussions with Tamaki and Noda ahead of the parliamentary vote. “I will take a sincere approach to all parties,” Ishiba told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to fostering a peaceful nation and improving citizens’ livelihoods, noting policy alignment with both the CDPJ and the DPP.
The emboldened opposition is anticipated to press Ishiba for substantial political reforms, with the LDP’s recent electoral losses linked to public dissatisfaction over its management of political funds.
Ishiba is expected to make minor adjustments to his cabinet, filling vacancies left by members who lost their seats. Key appointments include Keisuke Suzuki as justice minister, Taku Eto returning as farm minister, and Komeito’s Hiromasa Nakano assuming the role of land minister, succeeding Tetsuo Saito, now the Komeito chief.
