In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated he will not participate in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership vote in September. This decision opens the path for a new prime minister to take office.
Kishida’s term as LDP president, which he won in 2021, is set to expire in September. The winner of the party leadership vote will automatically become the next prime minister, as the LDP controls both houses of parliament. Kishida expressed his intention to support the new leader, emphasizing the need for the LDP to demonstrate a change for the better.
“We need to clearly show an LDP reborn,” Kishida stated at a press conference. “In order to show a changing LDP, the most obvious first step is for me to bow out.”
Kishida’s decision comes amidst a period of declining public support, which has fallen below 20%. He acknowledged the importance of regaining public trust to effectively address challenges facing Japan both domestically and internationally.
He encouraged aspiring LDP lawmakers to actively participate in the leadership race, advocating for open policy discussions during the campaign. “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,” Kishida said.
Kishida revealed that he had been considering resignation for a while but waited until key policy initiatives were on track. These include a shift toward nuclear power, a significant military buildup to address regional security threats, improved relations with South Korea, and political reforms.
Potential candidates for the leadership position include senior LDP lawmakers like party Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, Digital Minister Taro Kono, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
The winner of the party election will succeed Kishida as LDP president and be confirmed as the new prime minister in a subsequent parliamentary vote. The LDP leadership is expected to finalize the election date next week.
Since the emergence of a corruption scandal, Kishida has taken steps to address the issue, including removing several cabinet ministers and party officials from their positions, dissolving party factions that were criticized for their role in money-for-favor politics, and strengthening political funds control laws. Ten individuals, including lawmakers and aides, were indicted in January.
Despite these efforts, support for Kishida has continued to decline.
Losses in local elections earlier in the year weakened his political standing, and LDP lawmakers have expressed a need for fresh leadership ahead of the next general election. The party’s poor performance in the Tokyo metropolitan assembly by-elections in July further contributed to the call for change.
The scandal centers on unreported political funds raised through tickets sold for party events. It involved over 80 LDP lawmakers, primarily from a major party faction previously led by assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The assassination also brought to light a scandal involving the LDP’s long-standing ties with the Unification Church, for which Kishida has also faced criticism.