Asia - Pacific

Japanese premier meets opposition leaders in wake of electoral losses

Opposition leader says Prime Minister Ishiba shows strong desire to remain in power despite losing control of upper house in Sunday's elections

Anadolu staff  | 25.07.2025 - Update : 25.07.2025
Japanese premier meets opposition leaders in wake of electoral losses

ANKARA 

Japan’s prime minister on Friday met with opposition leaders days after the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito lost its majority in an upper house election, according to the Kyodo News Agency.

During the meeting, Shigeru Ishiba showed his strong desire to remain in power despite the outcome of Sunday's election, said Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the Democratic Party for the People.

The LDP-Komeito ruling coalition fell short of the 50 seats needed to maintain a majority in the 248-seat upper house, now losing control of both houses of parliament.

The coalition would now need the support of opposition lawmakers to pass its parliamentary agenda.

On Wednesday, daily Mainichi claimed that Ishiba had decided to announce his resignation by the end of August, but he later denied discussing the possibility of resignation at all.

During the meeting with opposition leaders, Ishiba also vowed "steady" implementation of a new trade agreement with US.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the completion of a trade agreement with Japan, saying the country would pay a 15% tariff on exports to the US.

He added that Japan will invest $550 billion in the US, with America receiving 90% of the profits.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid


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