Japan’s prime minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign – reports
Japan’s prime minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his intention to step down after growing calls from his party to take responsibility for its big loss in the July parliamentary election, Japanese television has reported.
Mr Ishiba, who took office in October, has resisted demands from mostly right-wing opponents within his own party for more than a month.
His move comes one day before his Liberal Democratic Party will decide whether to hold an early leadership election – a virtual no-confidence motion against him if approved.
The prime minister is expected to hold a news conference later on Sunday.
Mr Ishiba intends to step down to prevent the party from getting divided further, NHK said.
His ruling coalition failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house in a crucial parliamentary election in July, further shaking the stability of his government.
Mr Ishiba’s decision came after his meeting on Saturday with agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his perceived mentor, former prime minister Yoshihide Suga, who suggested Mr Ishiba’s resignation ahead of Monday’s vote.
He had previously insisted on staying, stressing the need to avoid a political vacuum at a time Japan faces big challenges, including US tariffs and their impact on the economy, rising prices, rice policy reforms and growing tension in the region.
Since the LDP’s adoption, last week, of its review of the election loss, which called for “a complete overhaul” of the party, requests for an early leadership vote or for Mr Ishiba’s resignation before Monday’s results have gained traction.
