TOKYO - An NHK opinion poll shows that the approval rate for Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's Cabinet stands at 23 percent, the lowest since he took office in October 2021.
NHK conducted the survey from Friday through Sunday. More than 1,200 people responded.
The Cabinet's approval rate dropped 6 points from last month, while the disapproval rate rose 6 points to 58 percent. The approval rate is also the lowest since the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party won back power in December 2012.
Among those who approve of the Cabinet, 40 percent said it seems better than possible alternatives, 28 percent said it consists of political parties they support, and 15 percent said they trust Kishida.
Of those who disapprove, 50 percent said they have low expectations for the Cabinet's policies, 26 percent said the Cabinet lacks the ability to implement its policies, and 11 percent said they do not trust Kishida.
Following the money scandal involving LDP factions, which allegedly underreported revenues from sales of fundraising event tickets, Kishida has called on the factions to refrain from holding fundraising events. He has also quit his own faction.
Asked about Kishida's response, 22 percent said it was appropriate, while 66 percent said it was too late.
Asked whether rules for political funds should be stricter, 81 percent said it should be stricter, while 9 percent said the current rules were sufficient.
On this year's supplementary budget that includes handouts to low-income households and an extension of subsidies for gasoline and other costs, the respondents were asked if they think the measures will be effective against rising prices. Five percent said "very much" and 28 percent said "to some extent," while 38 percent said "not so much" and 23 percent said "not at all."
