expression, noun
A political term for a group of opposition members who would form the cabinet if their party came to power. Used in contexts discussing parliamentary systems.
野党は影の内閣を組織して、政権交代に備えている。
The opposition party has formed a shadow cabinet in preparation for a change of government.
内閣 refers to the actual cabinet in power, while 影の内閣 is the opposition's alternative cabinet.
A calque from English 'shadow cabinet'. 影 (shadow) + の (possessive particle) + 内閣 (cabinet).