Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Resigns After LDP's Defeat In The High Council Election
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation today. Ishiba mentioned the importance of reaching a tariff agreement between Japan and the United States (US) as one of the main factors that prompted him to hand over his position to his successor.
In a press conference, quoted from Kyodo-OANA via Antara, Sunday, September 7 evening, Ishiba expressed deep regret for failing to meet expectations as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
He also emphasized that his government's economic growth strategy, which focuses on increasing wages, is actually starting to show results.
However, Ishiba chose to resign on the grounds that he was responsible for the big defeat of the LDP in the High Council election on July 20.
I hope that my successor can maintain a strong relationship with the US and other main partners. I made this decision to prevent major divisions within the LDP body," said Ishiba.
Previously, Ishiba's resignation was widely reported the day before the party decided whether to hold a presidential election.
The decision came after Ishiba met former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Saturday night. Both are said to urge him to avoid division at the LDP.
Ishiba, who has been in office since October 2024, had stated that he was ready to reject the LDP leadership election plan by threatening to dissolve the DPR and holding a quick election. This attitude actually raises resistance within the party.
Amid growing pressure for him to take responsibility for losing the majority of the coalition in the High Council, the LDP plans to collect members' signatures on Monday (8/9) to determine whether to hold a presidential election earlier than its original schedule in 2027.
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Criticism of Ishiba has become sharper in recent days, including from his allies, as he previously insisted on defending his position.