By: ATN News & NHK Japan
Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has announced that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership contest, signaling a potential change in Japan's political landscape. Kishida's decision, revealed in a news conference on Wednesday, means that Japan will soon have a new prime minister.
Kishida articulated his rationale, emphasizing the necessity for the LDP to demonstrate a commitment to change. “In the upcoming presidential election, it's necessary to show the people that the Liberal Democratic Party will change. To this end, a transparent and open election, and free and open debate are important. The first easy-to-understand step that indicates that the LDP will change is for me to step back,” he stated.
During his tenure, Kishida's administration has focused on several key areas: promoting wage increases and investments to combat deflation, transforming energy policies to meet rising electricity demands, and implementing measures to address Japan's declining birthrate. The administration also made strides in strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and hosted the G7 summit in Hiroshima, enhancing Japan’s role in international diplomacy.
Kishida expressed pride in his administration's achievements but acknowledged the need for his departure amid a political funding scandal involving LDP factions. The scandal has led to increased scrutiny and criticism of his administration. In response, Kishida has worked to regain public trust by seeking to reform the LDP, dissolving its factions, punishing implicated lawmakers, and revising political funding laws.
“The only thing still remaining is the matter of my responsibility as LDP leader regarding politics and money,” Kishida said. He added that he had decided to step down to take responsibility for the situation and allow for a transition during a period of relative diplomatic calm.
Despite his efforts at reform, recent opinion polls indicate low approval ratings for Kishida’s Cabinet, and there are growing concerns within the LDP about the party’s prospects in the next Lower House election.
Kishida declined to comment on potential successors for the LDP leadership. His term as prime minister, which began in October 2021, makes him the eighth longest-serving prime minister in Japan’s post-war history.
Reactions to Kishida’s decision have been mixed. In Hiroshima, a resident expressed surprise and hoped Kishida would continue addressing the fundraising scandal. In Tokyo, another individual called for the next leader to maintain a focus on clean politics.
LDP lawmaker Onodera Itsunori suggested that Kishida's decision reflects a prioritization of official duties and a desire to conclude the political reforms he has pursued. Conversely, opposition leader Izumi Kenta criticized the LDP’s pattern of leadership changes as a tactic to obscure past issues and urged the public not to be deceived by this strategy.
The search for Kishida’s successor is already underway, with former LDP secretary-general Ishiba Shigeru expressing his willingness to take on the role, provided he receives the necessary nominations.
As Japan prepares for a new chapter in its political history, the transition within the LDP will be closely watched for its impact on both domestic and international affairs.
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