Shigeru Ishiba steps down as Japan PM

International

LESS than a year after taking office, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has resigned, bowing to political pressure following historic losses for the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics for most of the postwar era, lost its lower house majority for the first time in 15 years under Ishiba’s leadership, followed by another setback in the upper house elections in July. His departure comes just one day before lawmakers were expected to consider whether to trigger an internal leadership contest.

“Now that a conclusion has been reached in the negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, I believe this is precisely the appropriate time,” Ishiba said in a BBC report, pointing to a recent deal with Washington that eased tariffs on Japanese vehicles and exports. He had argued that stepping down before the agreement was finalized would have been irresponsible, calling the trade dispute a national crisis that needed to be resolved under his administration.

At 68, Ishiba pledged to continue serving the public until a successor is chosen. The LDP will now begin the process of selecting a new leader, who will then face a parliamentary vote to become prime minister.

Ishiba took office in October 2024 vowing to address rising costs and economic strain, but his administration quickly encountered difficulties. Inflation surged, with rice prices doubling in a year, while his cabinet drew criticism for including only two women. Public trust further eroded amid revelations of expensive gifts distributed to party members.(MyTVCebu)