According to a report by Japan’s Asahi Shimbun on the 22nd, several sources have revealed that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga might hold talks with the top advisor of the Liberal Democratic Party, Taro Aso, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and former Prime Minister Yoshihiro Noda as early as the 23rd. The timing of these meetings is currently being coordinated.
The report states that Suga hopes to gain understanding within the Liberal Democratic Party through this move, in order to continue his tenure.
Japan’s ruling coalition suffers a crushing defeat, leaving Suga unwilling to resign
In the July 20th Senate election, the ruling coalition consisting of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party lost control of more than half of the seats in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. This marks the first time since 1955 that the Liberal Democratic Party, as the ruling party, has failed to secure a majority in both chambers of parliament.
Following the election results, Suga expressed regret but emphasized that Japan is facing numerous challenges, most importantly political stability. He will continue to serve as Prime Minister and is currently not interested in expanding the ruling coalition.
After the election results were announced, members of the “Aso faction” led by Taro Aso, the highest advisor of the Liberal Democratic Party, urgently convened a meeting to assess the situation. It was revealed that Aso had explicitly told those around him, “We will not allow Suga to continue in office.”