Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba Resigns Amid Election Debacle
TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, citing a desire to avoid a split within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), according to reports from NHK.
Ishiba's decision comes weeks after he denied rumors of his impending resignation following the LDP-led coalition's historic defeat in the July election, which resulted in the loss of its upper house majority. The prime minister had stated at the time that he wanted to ensure the implementation of a tariff deal with the United States.
"I have decided to resign as Prime Minister to prevent a division within the party," Ishiba said during a press conference at the prime minister's office on July 23, according to JIJI Press. "I believe this decision will allow for a smoother transition and give the party the best chance of success in the future."
The election defeat marked a significant setback for the LDP-led coalition, which had been in power since 2012. The loss of its upper house majority has raised concerns about the government's ability to pass key legislation.
"This decision is a recognition that the prime minister's leadership was not effective," said Takeshi Iwaya, a member of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party. "The LDP needs to reflect on its policies and leadership style if it wants to regain public trust."
Ishiba's resignation has sparked debate within the party about his successor and the future direction of the government. The LDP is expected to hold a leadership election in the coming weeks.
The prime minister's decision to resign also raises questions about the impact on Japan's relations with the United States, particularly regarding trade agreements. Ishiba had been instrumental in negotiating the tariff deal, which was seen as a key achievement for the administration.
As the LDP navigates this transition period, analysts are watching closely to see how the party will respond to its electoral defeat and what changes it may make to its policies and leadership.
The resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba marks a significant development in Japanese politics, with implications for both domestic policy and international relations.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
