Japanese Prime Minister dissolves parliament and announces early elections
Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dissolved the House of Representatives, paving the way for general elections on October 27. Ishiba made this decision eight days after taking office, according to Kyodo.
"I decided to dissolve the chamber to obtain the public's direct opinion because it is very important for us to continue governing the country to protect Japan and its people," the prime minister stated.
Ishiba aims to gain a vote of confidence and confirm his support amid plans to reform the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has been marred by scandals.
The official election campaign will start on October 15. Opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda accused Ishiba of distracting attention from a corruption scandal related to the secret financing of LDP members. However, Ishiba emphasized that the dissolution is necessary to protect the interests of the country and its people.
Observers note that the opposition is fragmented, which plays to the advantage of the ruling parties.
In August, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation, opting not to participate in the September elections for the head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Shigeru Ishiba was elected to replace him at the end of September and was subsequently confirmed by parliament as the new Prime Minister of the country.
Since the beginning of the war, Japan has provided Ukraine with grants and loans totaling $3.6 billion. Only the EU, with $19.5 billion, and the USA, with $15.5 billion, have provided more assistance.
