Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared Wednesday that he would not participate in the next party leadership vote slated for September, thus clearing the way for a new prime minister.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) which governs Japan controls both houses of parliament meaning its head automatically becomes the country’s chief politician.
Kishida became LDP president in 2021 and is stepping down to allow his party present a new face before the public.
‘It has to be an LDP renewed,’ Kishida stated during a press conference. ‘The most immediate step towards showing alternated LDP is through my exit.’ This decision was emphasized by him saying, “I will not run for the upcoming party leadership election.”
Declining Popularity and Corruption Scandals
Kishida’s popularity has plummeted recently; dropping below 20% in approval ratings. His administration has been marred by a series of corruption scandals within the party, which have significantly undermined public trust.
According to Kishida, regaining public confidence is an essential element without which policies addressing complex domestic and international issues do not become effective. “Once a new leader is decided, I hope to see everyone unite and form a dream team to achieve politics that can gain public understanding,” he said.
Before resigning, Kishida said he had been considering quitting for some time but wanted his major policies were put on track well. The key policy initiatives included going back to nuclear energy, building up larger military forces capable of responding regional security threats, mending fences with Seoul as well as political system reforms.
What Lies Ahead for the LDP？
Following announcement by Kishida observers are speculating about possible contenders vying for the reins of power in their party. These include Toshimitsu Motegi who serves as secretary general of their major rival group; Taro Kono who serves as digital minister; Sanae Takaichi, economic security minister and Yoko Kamikawa who serves as foreign affairs minister among others. After the party election ends on the day of polling it will be followed shortly by a parliamentary vote endorsing the next prime minister.
The LDP executives may meet next week to decide the date of party’s election. During Kishida’s tenure, some strict measures were taken regarding this scandal such as, removal of several cabinet ministers and other party officials from their positions, dissolution of money-for-favour factions within the Party and tightening control over political funds amongst others. However, his government continued to erode despite these steps.
This led to an unreported political donations made through ticket sales for party events which implicated over 80 LDP politicians most of whom belonged to a major faction previously headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who died recently. This also exposed long-standing ties between the LDP and Unification Church after Abe was assassinated thereby complicating Kishida’s situation further. In January indictments were filed against 10 individuals including lawmakers and their assistants.
Similarly in terms of electoral fortunes, there have been implications involving decline in support for LDP policies within Japan that can be seen in many ways since last year. A loss by Kishida’s faction in local elections earlier this year has further weakened his position within the party fold, with growing calls from LDP members for new leadership ahead of general elections slated for later this year. The pressure on him intensified following major defeats suffered at Tokyo metropolitan assembly by-elections held July.
Kishida is still optimistic about how this party will be re-energized with the help of new leaders. He also encouraged those who wish to become parliamentarians to get actively involved in the upcoming party elections and engage in policy debates as part of a united campaign front.
