Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, is grappling with a political slush funds scandal and criticism over hosting a 'go-go dancers' party, leading to a significant decline in popularity. The party's support has plummeted to a historic low of 28.6% in Mainstreet polling, down from 41.2% when PM Kishida took office. Despite this, the decline has not benefited the opposition, as most former LDP supporters now identify as independents. The LDP plans to amend its constitution to restore public trust, but analysts and editorials question whether intraparty measures alone can address the underlying issues.
EDITORIAL: LDP to amend its constitution / The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s aim to review party regulations and restore the public’s trust is understandable, but simply implementing intraparty measures will not lead to fundamental solutions. https://t.co/QlpMXpTai8 https://t.co/ma0TAwRDfv
“There are no signs that the LDP is capable of reforming itself,” one analyst tells TIME of Japan’s scandal-ridden ruling Liberal Democratic Party https://t.co/pOM4SHsHtE
‘Unacceptable’: Kishida’s ruling LDP under fire for ‘go-go dancers’ party https://t.co/M8KUX8zOEG
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is at a low point in popularity, dropping to 28.6% compared to 41.2% when PM Kishida took office. That doesn’t translate to support for the opposition, though: most of the lost voters now call themselves independents. https://t.co/YTYGGqbW8N
Liberal decline continues to lowest level ever recorded by @MainStResearch. Liberal Party support under Justin Trudeau at a historic low in Mainstreet polling. https://t.co/a0Nt87E5aG #cdnpoli #lpc Find out more at https://t.co/xofn4ZIXij https://t.co/0rn40teQk8
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, already grappling with a political slush funds scandal, has suddenly found itself with two new problems that could cause further political damage. https://t.co/5Keo3g7O5r