Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will not participate in the upcoming election for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, NHK News reported. During a press conference on Wednesday, Kishida justified his decision by saying, “For the upcoming presidential election, it is essential to demonstrate to the public that the Liberal Democratic Party is ready for change. This requires a transparent and open election as well as free and open debate. The first clear step to signal the transformation of the LDP is my withdrawal.”
He praised his administration’s achievements, highlighting wage increases and investments that have ended three decades of deflation. In addition, Kishida said his government has revamped its energy policy to cope with rising electricity demand and taken important steps to combat a falling birth rate and bolster Japan’s defense capabilities.
“I am proud of the substantial achievements my administration has made,” Kishida said, as quoted by NHK News. He also expressed support for a new leader. Japan Today reported that Kishida’s influence waned following local election losses earlier this year, prompting LDP lawmakers to call for new leadership ahead of the next general election.
Kishida, who became prime minister in October 2021, is resigning in the wake of a political funding scandal within the LDP. The scandal, centered on allegedly undeclared political funds from ticket sales to party events, implicated more than 80 LDP members.
In response to Kishida’s announcement, a senior LDP member told NHK of its attempts to convince him to stay, calling his resignation amid unresolved issues irresponsible, state-run media outlet Kyodo reported.
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