Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation after less than a year in office, following two major election defeats. His decision comes a day before the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was set to decide whether to hold a leadership vote that could have forced him out.
The LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics for most of the past seven decades, lost its majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years, followed by a loss of its upper house majority in July. The setback has left Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy and a key US ally, facing political uncertainty at a time of rising tensions with China and regional insecurity.
Ishiba said the timing was appropriate after concluding a deal with the United States to ease tariffs on Japanese cars and other exports. He explained that his priority had been to resolve what he described as a “national crisis” before stepping down. The 68-year-old pledged to continue serving the people until his successor is chosen.
The LDP will now select a new leader, who will become prime minister after a parliamentary vote. Ishiba, who took office in October 2024 with promises to tackle inflation, struggled to maintain public confidence as rice prices doubled and living costs soared. His administration was further weakened by controversies over limited female representation in his cabinet and criticism of lavish gifts to party members.
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