Public Support for Japanese Prime Minister Drops to Record Low
Government Scrambles to Regain Trust
A recent poll conducted by the Asahi newspaper has shown that public support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government has dropped to a record low, with an approval rating of 26%, a 14 percentage point slide from the previous survey conducted in February. This is the worst rating since Ishiba took office in October.
Gift Voucher Controversy
The drop in approval rating is largely attributed to a controversial decision by Ishiba to hand out gift vouchers worth 100,000 yen (approximately $673) each to 15 first-term lower house lawmakers of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) earlier this month. The move has been criticized as potentially violating a political law, which prohibits the use of public funds for personal gain.
In a recent parliamentary session, Ishiba apologized for his actions, stating that he used "pocket money" to hand out the gift certificates to the lawmakers, and that the action was intended as a "show of appreciation" for their hard work in getting elected. However, the move has sparked widespread criticism and anger among the public, with many calling for accountability and transparency in government actions.
Return of Gift Vouchers
In a surprising move, all 15 lawmakers who received the gift vouchers have returned them to Ishiba’s office, according to Japanese media reports. This has raised questions about the true motives behind the gift handout, and whether it was indeed a genuine attempt to show appreciation or a more sinister attempt to curry favor with lawmakers.
Economic Uncertainties
The slide in opinion polls could have significant implications for Ishiba’s leadership ahead of an upper house election slated for July. The Japanese economy is also facing headwinds from the escalating trade war waged by US President Donald Trump, which has sparked concerns about the country’s economic stability and security.
Conclusion
The recent developments have dealt a significant blow to Ishiba’s government, and it remains to be seen whether they can recover from this setback. The controversy surrounding the gift vouchers has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the government, and it is crucial that the Prime Minister takes concrete steps to regain the trust of the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current approval rating of the Japanese government?
- 26%, according to the Asahi newspaper’s recent poll.
- Why did Prime Minister Ishiba hand out gift vouchers to lawmakers?
- He claimed it was a "show of appreciation" for their hard work in getting elected.
- Have the lawmakers returned the gift vouchers?
- Yes, all 15 lawmakers have returned the gift vouchers to Ishiba’s office.
- What are the implications of the controversy for Ishiba’s leadership?
- The controversy has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the government, and may have significant implications for Ishiba’s leadership ahead of the upper house election.