Support for Japan PM Ishiba slides further as key election approaches

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Support for Mr Ishiba’s Cabinet stood at 31 per cent, down from 34 per cent a week ago.

PHOTO: REUTERS

TOKYO - Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba slid further ahead of major national elections, a poll by public broadcaster NHK showed on July 7, as voters gave the thumbs-up instead to tax cuts proposed by opposition parties.

Support for Mr Ishiba’s cabinet stood at 31 per cent, down from

34 per cent a week ago

Mr Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and junior partner Komeito, which form the ruling coalition, lost their combined majority in the lower house in 2024.

Another poor performance in the upper house elections, slated for July 20, would deliver a heavy blow to Mr Ishiba’s grip on power.

To help the public cope with rising prices, Mr Ishiba is proposing one-off cash handouts, while most opposition parties have pledged in their campaign platforms to cut or abolish the sales tax.

The NHK survey showed 52 per cent of those polled prefer sales tax cuts or abolition of cash handouts, while 17 per cent said they prefer cash handouts. REUTERS