(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Outgoing Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe leaves government with a very low level of public support, according to a poll by Yomiuri. 29 per cent of respondents approve of Abe’s cabinet, while 60.7 per cent disapprove.

In September 2006, Abe became the new leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan’s 90th prime minister. Abe vowed to "make Japan into a country full of vitality, opportunities and kindness."

Abe’s tenure has been affected by allegations of corruption, massive clerical errors within the Social Insurance Agency (SIA), embarrassing statements by several cabinet members, and the suicide of agriculture minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka.

An election to renew half of the House of Councillors seats took place on Jul. 29. Final results gave the opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) 60 of the 121 seats at stake, with the governing LDP winning 37 mandates. The opposition—with 137 seats—now holds a majority in the House of Councillors for the first time since the LDP was founded in 1955.

On Sept. 10, Abe announced his resignation, declaring, "I decided a quick decision was necessary, and that a further delay would cause political confusion. I find myself unable to keep my promises—I myself have become an obstacle to fulfilling those promises. (...) In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with effective policies that win the support and trust of the public."

An internal LDP meeting—where Abe’s successor will be chosen—has been scheduled for Sept. 23. The list of potential contenders includes former foreign minister Taro Aso, finance minister Fukushiro Nukaga, and former chief cabinet secretary Yasuo Fukuda.

Polling Data

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