Last Updated: April 17, 2023, 06:36 IST
The attempt on Japan PM Kishida’s life reignited memories of Shinzo Abe, his predecessor’s death. Abe was assassinated in a lone-wolf attack on July 2022 (Image: Reuters)
On Saturday, Kishida was evacuated unhurt after a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb at an outdoor speech in western Japan
Support for the government of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida jumped in a survey taken at the weekend, but voters remained dubious about its proposals, including new childcare plans aimed at reversing the declining birthrate.
On Saturday, Kishida was evacuated unhurt after a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb at an outdoor speech in western Japan, an incident echoing the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at an election campaign even in July.
A survey conducted by ANN television on Saturday and Sunday found 45.3% of respondents supported Kishida’s government, up 10.2 points from the previous month.
But roughly 80% did not think the government’s childcare plans would do much to solve the low birthrate problem and some 60% disagreed with funding those plans by increasing the burden on taxpayers.
A leading ruling party lawmaker told Reuters on April 13 that Japan should spend around 5 trillion yen on the new plan, noting that extra debt issuance won’t be ruled out.
Though Kishida struggled with sliding support late in 2022, more recent polls have showed a slight uptick in his ratings. A survey by the Mainichi daily also conducted at the weekend found support for Kishida at 36%, up from 33% in March.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)
