International
Kishida Steps Down, Japan Prepares for New Prime Minister
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), stating that the party needs a “new start.”
Kishida, who has been at the helm since 2021, will step down as Prime Minister after the LDP selects a new leader in September.
The decision comes as Kishida’s support has waned, largely due to a corruption scandal within his party, rising living costs, and a weakening yen. Last month, his approval ratings plummeted to 15.5%, marking the lowest level for a Japanese Prime Minister in over a decade.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Kishida explained his decision, emphasizing the need for change within the party.
“In the upcoming presidential election, it’s necessary to show the people that the Liberal Democratic Party will change,” he stated.
He further added that “A transparent and open election, and free and open debate are important. The first easy-to-understand step that indicates that the LDP will change is for me to step back.”
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Despite Kishida’s contributions in areas such as foreign policy, defense, and domestic politics, his decision to step down has left LDP leaders surprised.
A senior party leader revealed that efforts to persuade Kishida to run again were unsuccessful, with the Prime Minister deeming it “irresponsible” to do so.
Japan is currently grappling with a “once-in-a-generation” political crisis, according to analysts. The ruling LDP is working to restore its image following a fundraising scandal that led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials last December, including four cabinet ministers within two weeks.
The scandal has sparked a criminal investigation into whether LDP lawmakers received illicit proceeds from fundraising events, which were not recorded in official party documents.
The combination of economic challenges and political scandal has eroded public trust in the LDP, even as the opposition remains weak and divided.
Following Kishida’s announcement, Jun Azumi, an MP from the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, remarked, “From now on, the entire political situation will be in flux.”
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