Public Criticism of Abe Cabinet Persists... 78% of Japanese Voters Say "Abe Fails to Demonstrate Leadership"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Amid the steady increase in new COVID-19 cases in Japan, public criticism of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet's response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) remains high.

According to a telephone survey conducted by Yomiuri Shimbun from the 7th to the 9th targeting Japanese voters, 54% of respondents said they do not support the Abe cabinet. This response rate rose by 2 percentage points compared to the survey conducted from the 3rd to the 5th of last month and is the highest level since Prime Minister Abe's reappointment in December 2012.

Dissatisfaction with COVID-19 measures appears to be the reason behind the decline in approval ratings. Among the reasons for not supporting the cabinet, 33% of respondents answered that they "cannot trust Prime Minister Abe." In particular, 78% of respondents evaluated that Prime Minister Abe failed to demonstrate leadership in responding to COVID-19. The percentage of respondents supporting the Abe cabinet dropped by 2 percentage points to 37%.

Regarding the Japanese government's COVID-19 measures, 66% of respondents evaluated them negatively. Additionally, 85% responded that the "Go To Travel" policy, which encourages domestic travel, is inappropriate.

Forty-nine percent of respondents said that a state of emergency should be declared again quickly to protect the health of the people. Meanwhile, 48% said that the declaration of a state of emergency should be carefully considered, taking into account its impact on the economy.

Regarding the effects of the same person serving as prime minister for a long time, 32% of respondents thought there are more negative aspects, exceeding the 20% who thought there are more positive aspects. Forty-two percent answered that the positive and negative effects are at the same level.

As for the most suitable candidate for the next prime minister, the highest number of respondents (24%) chose former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, followed by Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (16%), and Defense Minister Taro Kono (13%).