Japan’s opposition has submitted a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s cabinet, just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics are due to start.
However, Suga’s Liberal Democratic Party and its smaller coalition partner Komeito have a majority in the lower house of parliament and are expected to shoot the vote down on Tuesday.
The fractured opposition camp had earlier called on the cabinet to extend the current parliamentary session due to end on Wednesday, but their demand was rejected.
Among the criticisms of Suga from the opposition are his plans to forge ahead with the Tokyo Olympics, due to start on July 23, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The capital is still under a state of emergency until Sunday.
Suga has not ruled out dissolving parliament early if faced with a successful vote of no-confidence against him.
However, he has said the fight against the pandemic was a priority.
Suga’s term as party leader and prime minister ends on September 30, and he must call lower house elections no later than October 21.
Observers think he is likely to wait until the Tokyo Games are over before calling elections.
A change in the ruling party is considered unlikely due to the fragmented nature and weakness of the opposition camp.
But whether Suga will be able to maintain his prime ministerial post for much longer remains to be seen.
