Japan Plunges into Political Uncertainty as PM Ishiba Resigns Following Election Losses
Japan Plunges into Political Uncertainty as PM Ishiba Resigns Following Election Losses
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation, stepping down after less than a year in office following significant election defeats for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The unexpected move plunges the world’s fourth-largest economy and a crucial US ally into a period of political uncertainty, at a time of escalating tensions with China and mounting regional insecurity.
Ishiba’s departure comes just a day before the LDP was scheduled to vote on an internal leadership challenge that could have ousted him. He had initially resisted calls to resign, stating his commitment to finalize negotiations with Washington regarding US tariff measures on Japanese exports, a deal he confirmed was signed last week.
Taking office in October 2024, Ishiba struggled to inspire confidence amidst a challenging economic landscape, including a severe cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by soaring inflation, notably a doubling of rice prices. Public support further eroded due to controversies, including his cabinet appointments and allegations of gifting to party members.
The LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics for most of the past seven decades, saw its lower house majority lost for the first time in 15 years under Ishiba, followed by a loss in the upper house in July. The party will now initiate the process of selecting a new leader, who will subsequently be confirmed as Prime Minister by a vote in parliament.
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