Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has reaffirmed his intention to remain in office despite mounting pressure from within his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to step down following a historic defeat in the July 20 upper house election.
At a meeting of LDP lawmakers on Monday (July 27), Ishiba apologized for the party's poor performance but insisted he must stay to prevent a "political vacuum" during what he called a "national crisis." The LDP and its coalition partner Komeito secured only 47 seats in the election, failing to maintain a majority in the upper house. Combined with their minority status in the lower house since last October, this marks the first time since the LDP's founding in 1955 that the party has lost control of both chambers simultaneously.
LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama announced the formation of a committee to analyze the election loss, with findings expected by late August. However, Ishiba's pledge to stay has done little to quell internal dissent. As of July 28, 11 of the LDP's 47 prefectural chapters have publicly demanded his resignation, while others have expressed dissatisfaction.
A recent Kyodo News poll showed 51.6% of respondents believe Ishiba should resign, while 45.8% support his continuation. The election outcome has been attributed to public frustration over rising prices, ineffective economic policies, and political scandals plaguing the LDP.
With the LDP now a minority in both houses, Ishiba's ability to govern hinges on cooperation from opposition parties, which remain divided on key issues. Analysts suggest his political survival may depend on whether he can navigate looming challenges, including U.S. trade negotiations and domestic economic reforms.
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