Japan’s PM reportedly set to resign

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided to resign to avoid a split within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, public broadcaster NHK said on Sunday.

The Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, although NHK reported that Ishiba would hold a news conference at 7pm AEST.

Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba.Credit: Bloomberg

With Ishiba at the helm, the LDP-led coalition has lost its majority in elections for both houses of parliament since coming to power last year, amid voter anger over rising living costs.

Ishiba, who took office in October, has resisted demands to take responsibility from mostly right-wing opponents within his own party for more than a month.

His move comes one day before LDP lawmakers will decide whether to hold an early leadership election – a virtual no-confidence motion against him if approved.

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Ishiba’s decision came after a meeting on Saturday with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his perceived mentor, former prime minister Yoshihide Suga, who suggested Ishiba’s resignation ahead of Monday’s vote.

He had previously insisted on staying, stressing the need to avoid a political vacuum at a time Japan faces big challenges, including US tariffs and their impact on the economy, rising prices, rice policy reforms and growing tension in the region.

Since the LDP’s adoption, last week, of its review of the election loss, which called for “a complete overhaul” of the party, requests for an early leadership vote or for Ishiba’s resignation before Monday’s results have gained traction.

Ishiba’s government finalised details of a trade deal with the United States last week.

More to come

Reuters, AP

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