Ishiba Addresses Coalition, Reform, and U.S. Steel Block

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Ishiba Addresses Coalition, Reform, and U.S. Steel Block

Prime Minister Ishiba Denies Seeking Multiparty Coalition

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during his New Year's news conference in Ise, Mie Prefecture, denied the possibility of seeking a multiparty coalition after opposition leaders rejected his suggestion for such an alliance.

"I am not thinking about a grand coalition at the moment," Ishiba stated, following his visit to Ise Jingu shrine.

Ishiba, who leads a minority government, had previously mentioned a grand coalition of ruling and opposition parties as an "option" on a radio program broadcast on January 1st. However, he toned down his remarks after opposition leaders ruled out joining the government.

"I said a grand coalition is a possibility," Ishiba clarified at the news conference. "It will be meaningless unless the purpose (of forming it) becomes clear."

The governing coalition of Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito lost its majority in the October 27th Lower House election.

"We are in no situation to form a grand coalition," Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters in Tokyo earlier on January 6th. "Our objective should be forcing the LDP out of office and creating a new current in politics."

Political Reform and Regional Revitalization

On the topic of political reform, Ishiba expressed his intention to seek a consensus on whether or not to ban political donations from companies and organizations before the current fiscal year ends in March. He also emphasized the need for cross-party discussions on election systems to ensure a more accurate reflection of the people's will in politics.

Touching on his pet project of regional revitalization, Ishiba announced plans to relocate central government ministries and agencies outside the capital.

Concerns Regarding U.S. Steel Acquisition Block

Regarding the U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel Corp.'s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns, Ishiba expressed concerns raised by Japanese industry officials about future investments. He stated his intention to urge the U.S. government to address these concerns and articulate why the deal poses concerns about U.S. national security.