Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation amid deepening divisions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). This was reported by NHK television and Reuters.
According to press reports, Ishiba’s decision is linked to his desire to prevent a split in the party, which is undergoing a serious political crisis. In July, the LDP and its allies lost control of the upper house of parliament for the first time in 70 years. The election defeat drew sharp criticism from his fellow party members, with many lawmakers demanding Ishiba’s voluntary resignation. However, until recently, the prime minister had refused to step down.
Ishiba took office in October 2024. He identified the fight against inflation and reforms within the Liberal Democratic Party as his key priorities. However, shortly after he took office, the LDP was embroiled in a series of fundraising scandals, which undermined confidence in both the party and the prime minister himself.
