TOKYO—Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Monday he is ready to push ahead with his administration's agenda after a major political blow. Last week, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a crushing defeat at Tokyo’s metropolitan assembly election. The question now is his hold on power and Suga's leadership as Japan heads into a general election later this year.
An Adverse Canvas for Leadership
Current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took over in September 2020 when his predecessor Shinzo Abe resigned for health issues. Seen initially as a place-holder who would continue the Abe legacy, Suga has faced one challenge after another. The most immediate has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which is challenging public health and the foundations of our global economy. Low levels of public satisfaction have hit the Government over its performance in managing through Covid, particularly how it has rolled out vaccinations.
Electoral Setback in Tokyo
Earlier this month, we saw the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election take place and serve as a sort of litmus test for Suga and, in turn, more important national elections. The LDP and its coalition partner Komeito had hoped to win a majority. For their part, the ruling LDP and its coalition partner Komeito, the Kyodo, and other research indicated, but few verified by either SMGC or JNN experiences (CNN) lost ground to opposition parties like Tokyo Citizens First and Constitutional Democratic Party.
Many saw the election results as an expression of dissatisfaction with the current government, especially amid criticism over how it has dealt with coronavirus cases and its decision to hold the Tokyo Olympics. This has reinforced public worries and led to the LDP's poor performance in local assembly elections.
Response and resolve of Suga Leadership
After the electoral defeat, Prime Minister Suga declared that his administration faced difficulties and had learned to adapt. However, he said that determination would not force him from the prime minister's job and pledged to press ahead with his policy program. Following the vote, he told a news conference, "I will accept it with humility and (work) as hard as ever to win back public trust."
He restated his commitment to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting steps to accelerate vaccination rollouts and ensure a safe Tokyo Olympics. He also listed those related to economic revitalization, climate change, an aging society, and regional disparity.
The Path Forward
Prime Minister Suga and the LDP have a long road ahead. That confidence needs to be regained soon, with a general election on the horizon in October 2021. Anything less than a vote of public trust would ensure only an anemic mandate for the party. Though a blow to the LDP, its poor showing at the polls should remind it of this new reality and force it to adjust accordingly.
However, political analysts say the future of Suga will also hinge on how well he can get a grip on the LDP and lead it into the general election. Foremost among them is how the administration has handled COVID-19, including its vaccine rollout and public health policies. Of course, their handling of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics — in light of widespread public opposition, they are still planning on moving forward, with it being less important than how well that goes but not insubstantial either.
Opposition Reactions and Protests
Opposition parties are sensing a chance to capitalize on the LDP's election debacle to reinforce their position. They also called for the government to be more accountable and transparent in its response, particularly around managing the pandemic and staging Tokyo 2020. The ruling party will face fierce attacks from the opposition over these matters in an imminent general election.
Public feeling, meanwhile, is more mixed. Furthermore, while some express frustration, which is reflected in their dissatisfaction with the current administration, others acknowledge that battle times feel more structured than they have ever experienced. Suga's success in promoting his policy achievements and showing a recovery will be key to turning the tide of public opinion.
Conclusion
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday (Dec 21) insisted he would keep leading the world's number three economy, a day after his candidate suffered an electoral defeat in Tokyo. The months in advance will be crucial for Suga and the LDP as they weigh up what shape of package to put before 127 million voters, including a general election looming on the horizon. Whether the administration can respond to public concerns, deal with the pandemic, or produce anything concrete will decide its political fate and Japan's future.
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