Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Announced Decision Not to Seek Reelection Amid Political Crisis
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has declared that he will not pursue reelection as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), citing a need for a “new start.” Kishida, a seasoned LDP politician, is anticipated to step down from his role as Prime Minister following the party’s leadership election scheduled for September.
At 67 years old, Kishida’s popularity has sharply declined due to a series of challenges, including a significant corruption scandal involving his party, escalating living costs, and a weakening yen. His approval ratings recently fell to a historic low of 15.5%, the worst for any Prime Minister in over a decade.
In a press conference where he revealed his decision, Kishida emphasized the importance of demonstrating change within the LDP ahead of the upcoming presidential election. He stated, “A transparent and open election, and free and open debate are critical. The straightforward step indicating that the LDP will change is for me to step back.”
Doubts have emerged within the party regarding Kishida’s ability to lead the LDP to victory in the forthcoming general election scheduled for 2025. The party has maintained a near-continuous hold on power since 1955.
Political analysts describe the current situation in Japan as a “once-in-a-generation” political crisis, as the ruling party grapples with efforts to restore its image. The LDP’s challenges have been amplified by the resignation of four cabinet ministers in December following a fundraising scandal linked to the party’s influential factions.
Additionally, several senior vice-ministers withdrew from their positions amid the same controversy. Japanese prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into allegations that numerous LDP lawmakers benefitted from fundraising events that concealed millions of dollars from official records.
Kishida’s handling of the fundraising scandal has faced widespread public criticism, further eroding his popularity. This turmoil comes at a time when Japanese households are contending with food prices rising at the fastest pace in nearly 50 years, compounding the challenges faced by the ruling party amid a backdrop of economic difficulties and political discontent.
