Japan PM Kishida's support sinks to 26% on slush fund scandal

60% of respondents blame prime minister as four ministers are removed

Support fell for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet as the public blamed Kishida for a growing fundraising scandal. © Kyodo

KAORU OSAWA, TSUKASA SASAKI, Nikkei staff writers

December 17, 2023 00:11 JST

TOKYO -- The approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet fell to a record low 26% amid a growing fundraising scandal that has led to the sacking of four ministers, the latest Nikkei-TV Tokyo poll shows.

Support fell 4 points from the November poll to the lowest level since Kishida took office in October 2021, according to the survey conducted Friday and Saturday. Disapproval rose 6 points to 68%.