Japan’s unpopular PM wins

PM Shinzo Abe still won the Japan snap polls despite his personal unpopularity being highlighted by opponents and political experts. The preponement of elections was seen as a clever move by the PM to cash-in on a host of domestic and global issues. Ironically, Abe's recovery from a dip in popularity was attributed to Kim Jong- Un firing two missiles over Japan. Kim's intense hostility towards Trump will act as a dampener in Abe's proposed aggressive stance against North Korea. China has further muddled the environment by its tacit support to North Korea even as its relations with Japan remains dicey. Though all eyes are on Abe's diplomatic manoeuvres to tackle the bullying tactics of Kim, the PM has a couple of domestic headaches to overcome. Amendment to the country's Constitution and reforms on the economic front

are two key issues. Article 9 abhors war as the means to settle international disputes with which Abe is uncomfortable. Ever since he adorned the PM's throne in 2006, Abe's endeavour has been towards building a consensus on article 9. The 2/3 majority may push the amendment through; but it will have to be endorsed by the public through a referendum to realise Abe's dream of scripting a renewed Constitution by 2020. The "three arrows" of Abenomics---- monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and structural reforms--- have not created much jobs for the Japanese youth. Abe cannot tend to ignore an average Japanese perception on several other issues like natural disasters, women's rights and the ageing population. —Ganapathi Bhat