Shigeru Ishiba Reelected Amid Political Turmoil: Navigating Japan's Fraught Political Landscape

Japan's parliament reelected Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after his coalition's historic defeat. Facing a lost majority in the Lower House, Ishiba reshuffled his Cabinet, maintaining key ministers while replacing some who lost seats. He aims for stability through cooperation, amid challenges of gaining opposition support for key policies.

In a dramatic turn of events, Japan's parliament has once again elected Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba despite the significant electoral setback his coalition suffered, marking the worst loss in more than a decade.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior ally, Komeito, lost their majority in the 465-seat Lower House due to financial misconduct controversies and lackluster governance, prompting a reshuffle within the Cabinet. Ishiba overcame opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda in the first runoff in three decades, resuming leadership amidst contentious political conditions.

The Prime Minister retained most of his previous Cabinet but replaced three members who were ousted or affected by the election. As Ishiba prepares for upcoming international summits and a potential meeting with U.S. President-elect Trump, he faces the formidable task of securing opposition support for his legislative agenda, with political dynamics further complicated by opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki's recently disclosed scandal.

(With inputs from agencies.)