CDP Abandons No-Confidence Motion Against Ishiba Cabinet Amid Urgent National Issues

At a news conference held on June 19, Yoshihiko Noda, the president of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), officially conveyed that the party would not pursue a no-confidence motion against the Ishiba Cabinet during the current session of the Diet. He emphasized that Japan is facing critical challenges and should concentrate on tackling pressing issues rather than creating political instability.

Noda highlighted the serious implications of U.S. tariffs on Japanese exports, citing it as a national crisis, and emphasized the urgency of evacuating Japanese citizens amid tensions between Israel and Iran. He articulated that the most responsible course of action for the opposition, at this time, is to support the government rather than oppose it outright.

With the Diet session scheduled to conclude on June 22, Noda noted that this sets the stage for the Upper House election on July 20, with campaigning beginning shortly after on July 3. While the option for a no-confidence motion remains on the table for later, particularly if the Ishiba administration fails to negotiate effectively with the United States on tariffs, Noda expressed concerns that pushing such a motion now could lead to a political vacuum that might be detrimental to the opposition’s position.

Prime Minister Ishiba has indicated that he would respond to a no-confidence motion by dissolving the Lower House for a snap election, which could lead to simultaneous elections for both chambers of the Diet. Some members of the CDP voiced their desire to press ahead with a no-confidence motion, even knowing it could trigger these simultaneous elections. However, party executives are wary of this approach due to the CDP's current lack of readiness in areas such as candidate recruitment and fundraising, as well as coordination with other opposition parties.

At the news conference, Noda also discussed the potential risks posed by a no-confidence motion to the opposition's influence in the Lower House, where the ruling coalition has temporarily lost its majority. Shortly before his announcement, he consulted with leaders of other opposition groups, including Nippon Ishin, the Democratic Party for the People, and the Japanese Communist Party, informing them of the decision not to pursue a no-confidence motion at this time. While the CDP has the necessary seats to initiate a no-confidence motion, Noda recognized that collaboration with other opposition parties would be essential for it to succeed—an effort complicated by the reluctance of those parties to join forces on this issue.