Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not run in the upcoming party leadership vote, paving the way for Japan to have a new prime minister. Kishida’s term as prime minister is set to expire in September, and whoever wins the party vote will succeed him as prime minister because the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) controls both houses of parliament.
In a surprise move, Kishida declared that he will bow out of the election, saying that it’s an opportunity for the party to show that it’s changing for the better. He also stated that regaining public trust in politics is crucial for tackling difficult situations in and outside Japan. Aspiring party lawmakers have been urged to run for leadership and hold active policy debates during the campaign.
Kishida was elected president of the LDP in 2021 and became prime minister in 2021. His three-year term has been marked by corruption scandals that have led to dwindling support ratings, which have dipped below 20%. Despite his efforts to reform the party and address the scandals, Kishida’s government has continued to suffer.
LDP executives are set to decide on the date for the party election, which is expected to take place between September 20 and 29. A number of senior LDP lawmakers, including Kishida’s rival Toshimitsu Motegi and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, are considered potential candidates.
Story Continues Below
Several experts have praised Kishida’s effort in elevating the U.S.-Japan alliance to a new level by working closely with President Joe Biden, especially in security. Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, stated that Kishida has literally written the organizing chapter of the next era. Meanwhile, the leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, Kenta Izumi, expressed skepticism about Kishida’s claims, saying that the party is constantly changing prime ministers to reset and have voters forget the past.
The opposition party has also criticized the government for its handling of the Unification Church scandal, which surfaced as a result of the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The LDP had deep ties with the church, which Kishida has faced criticism over.
Conclusion
The future of the LDP and Japan’s leadership hang in the balance as the party votes on a new leader. The outcome is far from certain, with several high-profile politicians vying for the position. However, one thing is clear – change is needed, and the party is determined to refresh its image and regain the public’s trust.
FAQs
- When will the party election take place?
LDP executives are set to decide on the date for the party election, which is expected to take place between September 20 and 29.
- Who are the potential candidates?
A number of senior LDP lawmakers, including Kishida’s rival Toshimitsu Motegi and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, are considered potential candidates.
- Why is Kishida bowing out of the election?
Kishida stated that it’s an opportunity for the party to show that it’s changing for the better and that regaining public trust in politics is crucial for tackling difficult situations in and outside Japan.
- How do the opposition parties view Kishida’s decision?
The leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, Kenta Izumi, expressed skepticism about Kishida’s claims, saying that the party is constantly changing prime ministers to reset and have voters forget the past.
- What are the implications for the party and Japan’s leadership?
The future of the LDP and Japan’s leadership hangs in the balance as the party votes on a new leader. The outcome is far from certain, with several high-profile politicians vying for the position. However, one thing is clear – change is needed, and the party is determined to refresh its image and regain the public’s trust.