Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe is trying to shore up his popularity as falling poll ratings threaten to end his tenure, opening the way for a succession battle that could jeopardise his signature economic policy.
Nepotism scandals relating to private schools run by Mr Abe’s associates, falsification of documents by the finance ministry, a spat over lost records from the Iraq war and the departure of a top bureaucrat after sexual harassment allegations have combined to erode public trust in the premier.
In percentage terms, support for Mr Abe’s government has fallen to the low 30s in polls, hurting confidence in a PM who faces internal party elections this year. Analysts think he can hold on for now but further falls in polls would force his resignation.