Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s public approval ratings are at an all-time low, posing a threat to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as they head into the upcoming general election on October 27. A poor showing in the election could lead to a swift leadership challenge against Ishiba, making him a lame duck leader.
Recent polls show that support for Ishiba’s government has dropped to 28%, the lowest since 2000. While this is slightly better than his predecessor Fumio Kishida, Ishiba still falls below the critical 30% threshold considered dangerous for leaders.
Experts warn that the LDP may lose its majority in the election, relying heavily on its coalition partner Komeito to stay in power. This shift could also allow Komeito to push for more family-friendly social policies.