Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not run in the upcoming party leadership vote in September, signaling the end of his term as the leader of Japan. This decision was reported by Japan’s NHK public television and other media outlets.
Kishida was elected as the president of his governing Liberal Democratic Party in 2021, and his three-year term is set to expire in September. By dropping out of the race, Kishida has paved the way for a new leader to take over as prime minister, as the LDP controls both houses of parliament.
The news of Kishida’s decision comes amidst a backdrop of dwindling support ratings for the prime minister, with his approval ratings dropping below 20%. This decline in popularity can be attributed to the corruption scandals that have plagued his party in recent months.
In an effort to address the corruption issues within his party, Kishida has taken steps to remove Cabinet ministers and party executives involved in the scandals. He has also dissolved party factions that were criticized for engaging in money-for-favor politics and passed a law aimed at tightening political funds control. Despite these efforts, support for his government has continued to decline.
The corruption scandal that has rocked the LDP revolves around unreported political funds raised through the sale of tickets for party events. More than 80 LDP lawmakers, primarily from a major party faction previously led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, have been implicated in the scandal. In January, ten individuals, including lawmakers and their aides, were indicted in connection with the scandal.
Kishida’s decision to step down as prime minister comes on the heels of local election losses earlier in the year, which have weakened his political influence within the party. Many LDP lawmakers have expressed the need for a fresh face to lead the party ahead of the next general election.
The prime minister was scheduled to hold a press conference to explain his decision on Wednesday, where he is expected to elaborate on his reasons for not seeking re-election. With Kishida’s impending departure, the stage is set for a new leader to emerge and take the reins of Japan’s government.
As Japan prepares for a leadership transition, the country faces a period of uncertainty and change. The incoming prime minister will inherit a host of challenges, including navigating the aftermath of the corruption scandal, addressing the country’s economic recovery post-pandemic, and managing Japan’s relationships with key global partners.
Overall, Kishida’s decision to step down marks the end of an era in Japanese politics and opens the door for a new chapter in the country’s leadership. The upcoming party leadership vote in September will be a crucial moment for the LDP as it seeks to chart a new course for Japan’s future.
