Japan’s Ruling Party Loses Majority in Both Houses for First Time in 70 Years
According to the English section of webangah News Agency,citing Mehr News Agency adn the Associated Press,Japan’s ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba failed to secure a majority in today’s pivotal upper house (House of Councillors) election.
The associated Press reported that losing control of Japan’s 248-seat upper house weakens Ishiba’s government amid ongoing challenges such as rising prices and the US trade war.
Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party, together with its coalition partner Komeito, needed an additional 50 seats beyond their current 75 to maintain a majority but managed to win only 47 seats.
This loss marks another blow to Ishiba’s coalition, turning it into the minority party in both parliamentary chambers. The coalition had also been defeated in last October’s lower house election, suggesting increasing political instability in Japan.
The Associated Press noted that this is the first time since 1955 that a Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition has lost majorities in both houses of parliament.
Despite this setback, Ishiba expressed his determination to remain prime minister and prevent a political vacuum while addressing challenges such as threats from US tariffs. Though, according to AP reports, there might potentially be internal calls within his party for his resignation or efforts to seek new coalition partners.
