Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed on Monday to remain in office despite the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffering its worst parliamentary election result in 15 years. Addressing the media at a press conference, Ishiba emphasized his commitment to prevent a “political vacuum” during this critical time for the nation.
“I want to fulfill my duty by protecting people’s lives, protecting Japan,” Ishiba declared. He acknowledged that the election outcome was significantly influenced by “people’s suspicion, mistrust, and anger” over a scandal involving LDP figures allegedly pocketing money from fundraising events—a controversy that contributed to the downfall of his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.
The 67-year-old prime minister admitted that the LDP had received “an extremely harsh verdict” from the electorate. In response, he pledged to implement fundamental reforms to address issues of money and politics within the party. “We must regain the trust of the people through transparency and accountability,” Ishiba asserted.
Despite the setback, Ishiba expressed his intention to maintain the coalition government formed by the LDP and its junior partner, Komeito. The coalition was projected to fall short of Ishiba’s stated goal of winning at least 233 seats—a majority in the 456-member lower house. The election results have raised questions about the government’s ability to advance its legislative agenda.
The prime minister stressed the importance of political stability and continuity. “In times of uncertainty, it is crucial that we stand firm and work collectively for the future of our country,” he said. Ishiba called on all members of the government to unite and focus on addressing the challenges facing Japan, including economic recovery and social welfare.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
