Public Discontent with Kishida Grows, No Clear Successor Emerges
A recent poll reveals growing public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with a significant majority (74%) opposing his continuation in office after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election in September. Despite this, no clear favorite has emerged to replace him.
The survey, conducted by Asahi Shimbun on July 20-21, indicates a divided public opinion regarding potential successors. Former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emerged as the top contenders, each garnering support from around 20% of respondents.
While Kishida's Cabinet approval rating has seen a slight increase to 26%, disapproval remains high at 61%. Notably, even among LDP supporters, a majority (57%) oppose his re-election as party president and continuation as prime minister.
This sentiment echoes a similar survey conducted in August 2021 before the previous LDP leadership election, where 60% of respondents opposed then-Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's continuation in office.
The latest poll also explored public preferences for future government leadership. Interestingly, 48% of respondents favor a non-LDP administration, compared to 38% who prefer an LDP-led government. This indicates a potential shift in public sentiment towards alternative political forces.
The LDP's support rating has seen a slight increase to 24%, while the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has experienced a decline to 5%. Unaffiliated voters remain a significant portion of the electorate, accounting for 59%.
Overall, the poll highlights growing public dissatisfaction with Kishida's leadership and the lack of a clear successor within the LDP. Additionally, it suggests a potential shift in public preference towards non-LDP leadership.