PM Ishiba’s minority government braces for pivotal upper house vote later this month.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition, already weakened in last year’s snap election, now confronts a major test in the upcoming upper house vote scheduled later this month. Opposition parties are rallying, sensing an opportunity to capsize his agenda.
In the past week, Ishiba resorted to pushing small legislative concessions—on fiscal stimulus and regional grants—to win over dissenting lawmakers, an uncommon step for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Analysts say these moves may backfire, with voters viewing them as signs of desperation, while opposition parties gain momentum by portraying the government as weak and indecisive.
As the campaign enters full swing, Ishiba’s future hangs in the balance: a loss could derail key infrastructure and defense initiatives, plunging Japan into further political limbo.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
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