TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday announced his resignation following his ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s major defeat in the July House of Councillors election.
At a hastily called press conference, Ishiba said he has decided to resign as president of the LDP, meaning he will also step down as prime minister.
Ishiba is believed to have found it difficult to remain in office as calls for his resignation grew within the LDP.
The LDP will now hold a leadership election to select Ishiba’s successor. Ishiba is expected to leave office after his successor is elected prime minister at an extraordinary Diet session.
As a reason for his decision, Ishiba noted that his administration has achieved a milestone in tariff negotiations with the United States. (Jiji Press)
