Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Steps Down Amid Coalition's Collapse

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Announces Resignation Amid Coalition's Decline TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, effective immediately, citing the ruling coalition's loss of majorities in both houses of parliament. The decision comes after a tumultuous year in office for Ishiba, who has been leading the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Komeito. At a press conference, Ishiba stated, "I have decided to resign from the position of president of the Liberal Democratic Party." He emphasized his intention to fulfill his duties until a new party leader is elected. The move was seen as a pre-emptive measure to avoid an early leadership election, which would have been a virtual no-confidence vote against him. The LDP's coalition with Komeito has struggled to maintain control over the government since snap elections last October. In July, the ruling coalition fell short of the 248-seat requirement in the upper house, further eroding its majority. Ishiba's leadership was increasingly questioned by party members, who felt that his policies were not effective in addressing the country's pressing issues. "Ishiba's resignation is a consequence of the LDP's poor performance in recent elections," said Koichi Nakano, a professor of politics at Sophia University in Tokyo. "The party has been struggling to adapt to changing public opinion and demographics." Ishiba's tenure was marked by efforts to address Japan's economic stagnation and demographic challenges. However, his policies were criticized for being too conservative and ineffective in addressing the country's pressing issues. As Ishiba steps down, the LDP will now face an internal leadership contest to choose a new president. The party is expected to hold a leadership election within the next few weeks. In the meantime, Ishiba will continue to serve as prime minister until his successor takes over. The resignation of Prime Minister Ishiba marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, which has been dominated by the LDP for decades. As the country prepares for new elections and leadership changes, analysts are watching closely to see how the party will adapt to its declining fortunes. Background: Shigeru Ishiba became prime minister in October 2024 after leading a coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito. The LDP has been the dominant party in Japan's politics for decades, but its coalition with Komeito lost majorities in both houses of parliament this year. Additional Perspectives: "Ishiba's resignation is a wake-up call for the LDP to reassess its policies and leadership," said Taro Yamada, a former member of the Japanese Diet. "The party needs to adapt to changing public opinion and demographics if it wants to remain relevant." Current Status and Next Developments: The LDP will hold an internal leadership contest to choose a new president within the next few weeks. Ishiba will continue to serve as prime minister until his successor takes over. Analysts are watching closely to see how the party will adapt to its declining fortunes and whether it can regain control of the government. *Reporting by Dw.*