Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Announces Resignation
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on 7 September that he will step down as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a move that effectively removes him from the premiership.
Election Losses and Political Implications
The decision follows a heavy loss for the LDP in the national upper house election in July. Ishiba said the party leader must accept responsibility for the result and that he would not cling to power, making the announcement nearly 50 days after the vote.
The LDP had earlier faced setbacks in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election in June and the lower house general election in October 2024, intensifying calls within the party for leadership change.
Internal Divisions and Leadership Transition
Ishiba had initially resisted resigning, arguing that Japan could not tolerate a leadership vacuum amid sensitive trade talks with Washington. Growing internal divisions within the LDP, however, appear to have pushed him to step aside to avoid further political instability.
Impact on Japan's Energy Policy
His departure raises ques...