Japan Ex-Leader Shinzo Abe Assassinated While Giving Speech
SnopesJUN 2022
Japan: Former PM Shinzo Abe Fatally Shot at Campaign Event
Image copyright: Getty Images [via The New York Times]
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Abe, a world statesman, devoted himself to Japan and its people for years. This event is a great shock and tragedy – particularly in one of the world's safest countries where gun laws are extremely strict.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though nothing justifies this tragedy, Abe, despite being widely respected, came under increased criticism for his handling of COVID and the economic slump that followed. He also became a more controversial figure as he pushed to revise Japan's pacifist constitution, a contentious subject.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 50% chance that the Liberal Democratic Party will lose its status as the largest party in the House of Representatives of Japan by May 2046, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
