Abe's political fortunes take turn for the better

His approval ratings rise ahead of pivotal party polls and as cronyism scandals fade

The rebound in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval ratings comes as domestic media turned its attention to global events.
The rebound in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval ratings comes as domestic media turned its attention to global events. PHOTO: REUTERS
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The wind is back in the sails for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he appears to have chased off two cronyism scandals that first blew up last year.

His public approval ratings are up, just three months before a pivotal leadership vote in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) - expected on Sept 20 - that will determine if he stays or goes. The leader of the ruling party in the Diet is, by default, the prime minister.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 27, 2018, with the headline Abe's political fortunes take turn for the better. Subscribe