Four months into his term as prime minister, Yoshihide Suga is facing a mountain of problems and low approval ratings. From controversial new legislation aimed at bringing the coronavirus under control to the fate of the Tokyo Olympics to scandals within his party, Suga’s leadership ability and style is under increased scrutiny and criticism. As his term expires in September and a general election must be held by October, how he handles these problems over the next few months could determine his political fate this autumn.
The most pressing issues Suga faces start with effectively implementing the soon-to-be-passed coronavirus-related laws that include fines for businesses that refuse local government orders to shut their doors early or close down during an emergency.
While under the old system the government can declare a state of emergency due to the coronavirus, local directives from governors to businesses to close early or shut down entirely are followed voluntarily, and there are no fines or jail time for business owners that refuse.