Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in the forthcoming September party leadership vote, paving the way for a new leader to take the reins. Kishida, who has served as both the president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Prime Minister since 2021, stated that he will resign at the end of his three-year term. The LDP, which commands majorities in both houses of parliament, will soon embark on selecting its successor.
Kishida’s announcement comes amid a backdrop of waning approval ratings and persistent challenges stemming from recent corruption scandals. In his statement, Kishida underscored the necessity for the LDP to project a renewed image. He articulated that stepping down was a crucial first step in demonstrating that the party is undergoing significant changes. Kishida also called upon potential candidates to actively participate in policy discussions and work diligently to restore public trust.
Throughout his tenure, Kishida tackled several critical issues, including energy policy, military expansion, and improving relations with South Korea. However, his efforts have not translated into robust public support. U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel commended Kishida’s leadership, particularly noting his contributions to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and enhancing regional partnerships.
Conversely, Kenta Izumi, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, criticized Kishida’s decision to resign, suggesting that it might be a strategic move to divert attention from ongoing corruption investigations. The LDP is set to determine the date for the leadership election, expected to be held between September 20 and September 29. Among the potential successors are party Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and other notable figures from Kishida’s 2021 rivals.
