Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned Sunday after his party’s election defeat, clearing the way for the Liberal Democratic Party to choose a new leader
TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced Sunday that he will resign, bowing to mounting pressure from within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) after its historic loss in July’s parliamentary election.
Ishiba, who took office in October, had resisted demands to quit, warning his departure would create a “political vacuum” as Japan confronts economic and regional challenges. However, he confirmed during a televised press conference that he would step aside and initiate a leadership vote, making Monday’s planned decision unnecessary.
The LDP lost its majority in both houses of parliament, sparking calls for a “complete overhaul.” Former Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said the best way forward was for Ishiba “to settle” the party’s divisions before Monday’s vote.
With Ishiba’s resignation, the LDP is expected to hold a leadership election in early October. Possible successors include Shinjiro Koizumi, Sanae Takaichi, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. The next leader will face the challenge of governing without a parliamentary majority.