In Japan, Takaichi’s first-year leadership style threatens hold on power
Takaichi’s confrontational approach is driven by popularity among voters, which is not always a solid factional power base, experts warn
Bolstered by high public approval ratings and an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives, Takaichi has pushed through divisive legislation and made personnel appointments heavily tinged with her will.
Political analysts warn that Takaichi’s confrontational governing approach – driven by popularity among voters, not necessarily by a solid factional power base – could prompt a backlash from within and potentially threaten her administration’s stability should public support weaken further.
“It was a year in which the deliberative process of parliamentary democracy was significantly hollowed out,” said Ikuo Gonoi, a political science professor at Takachiho University.
