TOKYO, Sept 7 — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned on Sunday, months after his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a historic defeat in the July parliamentary elections, according to details received by The Chenab Times. Ishiba, who took office in October, announced his decision during a televised press conference, citing the need to initiate a vote for his replacement ahead of a potential no-confidence motion.
The LDP-led coalition failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house during the July election, following an earlier loss of majority in the lower house. The defeats have fueled internal calls for Ishiba’s resignation, with party members urging him to take responsibility, reported the Associated Press. Despite resisting these demands for over a month, Ishiba’s decision comes a day before the LDP was to decide on an early leadership election.
Ishiba highlighted challenges such as U.S. tariffs, rising prices, rice policy reforms, and regional tensions as factors impacting his tenure. He met with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga prior to the announcement, possibly influencing the resignation move, according to the Associated Press. The LDP has called for a “complete overhaul” following the election losses and is expected to hold presidential elections in early October.
LDP Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama, a key aide to Ishiba, had offered to resign on September 2, though Ishiba had not accepted it.
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