Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, citing responsibility for consecutive electoral defeats suffered by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The 68-year-old leader ended his 11-month tenure, bowing to mounting pressure from senior party members.
During a televised press conference, Ishiba stated, “I have decided to resign from my position as president of the Liberal Democratic Party. I have instructed Secretary-General Moriyama to begin the procedures for selecting a new president.”
Ishiba assumed office in October last year and had repeatedly resisted calls to resign.
He cautioned that stepping down could create a political vacuum at a time when Japan faces several pressing issues, including US tariffs, rising living costs, rice policy reforms, and regional security tensions.
Despite recent electoral setbacks, Ishiba remained committed to his policy agenda, reaffirming on Friday his intent to lead efforts on an economic stimulus package.
Electoral Defeat Spurs Leadership Change
The LDP had scheduled a decision on holding an early presidential election a day after his resignation.
The party’s coalition with Komeito lost its majority in the recent Upper House elections, prompting senior members to urge Ishiba to step down and avoid deepening internal divisions.
Emotionally, during his address, Ishiba remarked, “With Japan having signed the trade agreement and the president having signed the executive order, we have passed a key hurdle. I would like to pass the baton to the next generation.”
The LDP is expected to hold an emergency leadership contest to elect a new president.
Potential candidates include Sanae Takaichi, a seasoned party figure critical of Bank of Japan interest rate hikes, and Shinjiro Koizumi, the farm minister and rising political star. Ishiba had narrowly defeated Takaichi in last year’s LDP run-off.
The resignation marks a significant transition in Japanese politics, with the new leadership expected to tackle economic reforms and navigate ongoing domestic and international challenges.
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