Just ten weeks after taking office, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso finds himself under growing pressure, with approval ratings dropping below 25 per cent, according to latest surveys, dpa reported.
Levels that low indicate that an administration's life signs have reached the critical stage. The first calls for Aso's resignation have started to filter in.
In light of the survey results, Aso spoke Monday of a "very serious" situation. "I think it indicates criticism that we are not living up enough to expectations about measures against the slumping economy and the deteriorating job situation," he was quoted as saying.
Aso was elected by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September to take up the office of prime minister, which was already in the party's hands. By electing Aso, the LDP hopes it can avoid a loss in elections to the country's lower house of parliament, which are due by September 2009.
Critics have attacked Aso over his handling of the financial crisis, saying his economic policies are unclear and unfocused. Many say they cannot understand his decision to hold off until January on introducing a second supplementary budget to boost the economy.
Aso's stance has not been helped by verbal gaffes, in which he accused Japan's senior citizens - a core LDP support group - of failing to take care of themselves and overburdening the health care system. He has also accused doctors of lacking humanity.
The opposition Democratic Party (DPJ) has demanded that elections be pulled forward. According to polls, opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa would win slightly more votes than Aso. However, the polls also show that the overall LDP would come in slightly ahead of DPJ.
The DPJ has controlled the upper house of parliament since last year, meaning it can block many government initiatives.