PM Kishida to step down, not running for party leadership
S/ Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan: The clearest and most significant first step to show that the LDP is changing is for me to step down. I will not run in the upcoming presidential election. I am committed to supporting the new leader chosen through the election as a party member.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced on August 14 that he will be stepping down as Prime Minister and won’t seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Prime Minister Kishida cited the problem of money and politics in the LDP’s factions as the reasons for his decision not to run.
He said as the leader of the LDP, he bears full responsibility, and he has no hesitation in taking responsibility as the head of the organization.
Prime Minister Kishida also said that now that a major milestone has been reached in the immediate diplomatic schedule, he wants to bring closure by stepping down and preparing for the presidential election.
Many ruling lawmakers think that Kishida judged his re-election as the party leader difficult due to his very low approval ratings in public polls.
The focus is on who will succeed him as Japan’s leader.
There is a growing view that among those previously considered as potential successors to Kishida may find it easy to run.
Those such as LDP Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu, who served as foreign minister and economic minister, Minister for Digital Transformation Kono Taro and Minister in charge of Economic Security Takaichi Sonae have been speculated.
With Kishida stepping down, it has become easier for others to throw their hats in the ring, with some lawmakers that maintained distance from the Prime Minister possibly also entering the race.
In addition to former Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru, who has announced his candidacy, there is growing support among mid-level and younger lawmakers for a broader competition.
Former Minister for Economic Security Kobayashi Takayuki and former Minister of the Environment Koizumi Shinjiro are also being seen as potential candidates.
The schedule for the LDP presidential election will be decided on August 20.
With Kishida’s decision not to run, the race for leadership is quickly gaining momentum.
Leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party Izumi Kenta reacted by saying, “We must not fall for the LDP’s tactics of changing the Prime Minister to make the people to forget the past.”
He also criticized Kishida, claiming that many LDP lawmakers are still involved in illicit funding activities, leaving the money unreturned and unpaid in taxes.
