Japan’s Ruling Coalition Faces Historic Minority Status in Parliament
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition has lost its majority in both chambers of Japan’s parliament for the first time in 31 years. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its ally Komeito lost 19 seats in the House of Councilors, falling short of the required majority. This marks the first time since 1994 that Japan’s ruling parties have failed to secure control of both chambers of the National Diet. Earlier this year, the coalition also lost control of the lower house of parliament following a snap election amid a corruption scandal, marking a significant political shift in Japan.
The ruling party’s defeat has triggered a deepening crisis for the LDP, which has long dominated Japanese politics. The loss of 19 seats in the upper house, bringing their total to 122, means the LDP is now three seats short of a majority. Meanwhile, the main opposition, led by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, retained its 22 seats, while centrist and far-right parties made notable gains. The center-right Democratic Party For the People secured 13 seats, as did the ultraconservative Sanseito, which advocates for a ‘Japanese First’ policy to reduce immigration. These developments signal a dramatic realignment in the political landscape, with opposition parties gaining momentum and reshaping the balance of power.
Despite the political upheaval, Ishiba has refused to step down, vowing to retain his position and engage with the opposition. At a press conference, he described the situation as a ‘national crisis’ and pledged to address rising inflation by pushing for wage increases. He also signaled a strategic shift, calling for direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a trade deal amid looming 25% tariffs on Japanese goods, set to take effect on August 1. The timing of the crisis has been widely seen as a significant challenge for Japan, as the country navigates both domestic economic pressures and international tensions, including Washington’s pressure to take a firmer stance against China in potential conflict scenarios over Taiwan.
International observers have noted that the defeat is not just a domestic issue but also has geopolitical implications. Moscow has condemned U.S.-led military exercises involving Japan and South Korea as destabilizing, adding to the complexity of Japan’s foreign policy challenges. As the ruling coalition grapples with its new minority status, the country faces an uncertain political future, with its leaders now compelled to navigate a complex web of domestic and international pressures.
Analysts warn that the ruling party’s loss of control over parliament could lead to a more fragmented political environment, potentially complicating policy implementation and economic management. The situation is further complicated by Japan’s ongoing struggle with inflation, which has intensified in the wake of global supply chain disruptions and energy price fluctuations. With the ruling party’s ability to govern now in question, the nation’s political and economic stability hangs in the balance.