Takaichi Cabinet Support Rate Slips to 68%; 80% of Public Worried About Middle East Situation

Central Message (CNA reporter Tai Ya-chen, Tokyo, 18th) A recent poll by Fuji News Network (FNN) shows that Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's cabinet support rate is 68%, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from April. Although it remains at a high level, public dissatisfaction with measures against rising prices continues to grow. The survey also shows that up to 80% of the public is worried about the impact of the Middle East situation on their lives. FNN conducted a nationwide poll by telephone from May 16 to 17, interviewing a total of 1001 people aged 18 and over. The results show that the Takaichi cabinet's support rate is 68%, down 2.2 percentage points from 70.2% in April; the disapproval rate rose 1.1 percentage points to 26.2%. Regarding livelihood issues, for the Takaichi government's measures to cope with rising prices, a total of 38.5% answered 'satisfied' or 'somewhat satisfied'; in contrast, a total of 58.7% were 'dissatisfied' or 'somewhat dissatisfied.' In addition, regarding the effectiveness of salary increases, among respondents with salary income, only 26.1% said they felt an increase in nominal wages, while another 72% felt no increase. As for actual take-home pay, only 21% believed it had increased, while a high of 76.5% believed it had not. On the issue of consumption tax, regarding the method of tax reduction for food and beverages, the largest number of respondents believed that 'as long as it can be realized as soon as possible, even a 1% reduction is acceptable' (42.5%); 26.3% believed that 'it should be reduced to 0% even if it takes time'; another 29.7% advocated for no tax reduction. In terms of the international situation, affected by the escalating situation in the Middle East, a total of 80.4% answered that they were 'anxious' or 'somewhat anxious.' In addition, regarding the institutional reform to secure the number of members of the Japanese imperial family, for proposals such as 'female imperial family members retaining their status after marriage' and 'allowing male-line males from former miyake to join the imperial family,' a total of 66.7% expressed support or leaned towards support, while 24.3% were opposed or leaned towards opposition. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150518 Stand with the facts, every contribution you make is a force for protecting press freedom. Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news in real time. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.