Japan's Prime Minister Faces Backlash Over Gifts to Lawmakers

Shigeru Ishiba's distribution of gift certificates to ruling party members draws criticism, threatening his leadership and delaying budget approval.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba admitted to giving gift certificates worth ¥100,000 ($670) each to 15 Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers as a gesture of appreciation.
The gifts have sparked criticism from opposition parties and members of Ishiba's coalition, with some calling for his resignation ahead of a critical upper house election in July.
Ishiba has denied any legal wrongdoing, stating the gifts were personal and not intended for political purposes, but public trust in his administration has declined sharply.
The controversy jeopardizes the timely approval of Japan's budget for the fiscal year beginning in April, which could harm the economy and further weaken Ishiba's political standing.
This incident follows a major election loss for the LDP last year, where previous political funding scandals contributed to a fractured ruling coalition and diminished public confidence.