Japan prepares for a new PM as Kishida steps down as party leader

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not be running for re-election as the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Kishida believes that the party needs a fresh beginning.

The 67-year-old LDP veteran is expected to resign as Prime Minister once the party selects a new leader in September.

Public support for Mr. Kishida, who assumed the role of Prime Minister in 2021, has waned following a high-profile corruption scandal within his party, the increasing cost of living, and a weakening yen.

Last month, the Prime Minister's approval ratings reached a record low of 15.5%, marking the lowest rating for a PM in over ten years.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Kishida emphasized the importance of demonstrating to the public that the Liberal Democratic Party is committed to change in the upcoming presidential election.

"The importance of a transparent and open election, as well as free and open debate, cannot be overstated." "I will take a step back," he stated, signaling the first clear indication of change within the LDP.

Doubts within the party exist regarding Mr. Kishida's ability to lead the LDP to victory in the upcoming general election in 2025. The party has maintained a firm grip on power for nearly seven decades.

However, the announcement made by Mr. Kishida left LDP leaders in a state of shock.

According to a senior leader, there was an attempt to convince Mr. Kishida to run for office, but the prime minister dismissed the idea as "irresponsible."

A member of Mr. Kishida's faction in the party expressed deep disappointment and sadness over the decision, highlighting the PM's accomplishments in foreign policy, defense policy, and domestic politics. They emphasized that despite his strong track record, he was compelled to resign due to political and financial concerns.

In December of last year, the LDP cabinet was rocked by a series of resignations, as four ministers stepped down in quick succession. The scandal that led to their downfall revolved around a fundraising controversy that implicated the ruling party's most influential faction.

A group of high-ranking government officials, including five senior vice-ministers and a parliamentary vice-minister, have resigned. These individuals were all part of the same faction previously headed by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Prosecutors in Japan have initiated a criminal investigation to determine whether numerous lawmakers from the LDP received funds from fundraising events for which large sums of money were not correctly recorded in the party's official records.

Mr. Kishida's handling of the fundraising scandal was met with public criticism, further diminishing his popularity.

Amidst the unfolding controversy, Japanese households grappled with the alarming surge in food prices, reaching levels not seen in nearly fifty years.

Amidst economic troubles and a political scandal, the ruling party faced growing mistrust, even with a fragmented and ineffective opposition.

"The political landscape is set to undergo significant changes," remarked Jun Azumi, a member of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, in an interview with NHK following Mr. Kishida's announcement.

Fumio Kishida is a prominent figure in Japanese politics. He has held various government positions and significantly contributed to the country's foreign policy. Kishida's career has been marked by his dedication to public service and his commitment to representing the interests of the Japanese people. His extensive experience and knowledge make him a respected and influential figure in the political landscape.

Mr. Kishida comes from a political family. His father and grandfather served as members of Japan's House of Representatives.

In 1993, he secured his initial election to the House. From 2012 to 2017, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming Japan's longest-serving foreign minister.

In October 2021, he assumed the role of Prime Minister, taking over from Yoshihide Suga, who resigned after a mere year in office. Following the 2021 general election, he successfully guided the LDP to a resounding victory.

Over the past three years, the government led by Mr. Kishida has been actively advocating for policies aimed at increasing wages and household incomes in response to the challenges posed by rising living costs.

He played a crucial role in managing Japan's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic during his tenure. Additionally, he faced the daunting task of leading the nation during a deeply unsettling political event - the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. In a move that sparked intense debate, he paid tribute to the fallen leader through a formal state funeral.

Despite facing challenges on the home front, Mr. Kishida consistently grabbed attention with his diplomatic efforts, frequently making headlines.

Japan has been a crucial ally for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, which is marked by tensions with China and the presence of a nuclear-armed North Korea. Mr. Kishida has succeeded in increasing the country's military budget and gradually abandoning its post-war pacifist principles.

The government has strengthened defense cooperation with Washington and successfully repaired relations with South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to Tokyo marked a significant milestone in these relationships.

At a Camp David summit last August, Japan, the US, and South Korea made a significant announcement, emphasizing the need for increased collaboration between the three nations.