Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba to Resign—What’s Behind the Decision?
Fundacion Rapala – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to resign after his coalition lost in the recent upper house election.
A source close to Ishiba told Reuters that he won’t resign immediately. The delay is meant to avoid further political instability. Japan is currently dealing with rising import tariffs from the United States.
Japanese media reports say Ishiba will officially announce his resignation next month.
Election Defeat Weakens Ishiba’s Leadership
Ishiba’s coalition failed to win a majority in the upper house election on Sunday (July 20). His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its partner Komeito, secured only 47 seats. They needed at least 50 for a majority.
Currently, the coalition holds a total of 75 seats. This loss comes after another defeat in the lower house election in October last year.
Read This : Upin & Ipin Game Price Deemed Too Expensive by Gamers—Here’s the Official Response
These back-to-back losses have weakened Ishiba’s leadership. His administration now faces greater challenges in pushing forward key policies. The political atmosphere in Japan has grown more unstable.
Leadership Battle Looms Within the LDP
Ishiba’s departure—less than a year into his term—will spark a power struggle within the Liberal Democratic Party.
The party faces pressure from emerging political rivals. Many of these challengers come from right-wing groups that are gaining support across the country.
Populist Right-Wing Party Scores Surprise Victory
Ishiba’s resignation follows a surprising result in the upper house election. The right-wing populist party Sanseito won more seats than expected.
Sanseito, which previously held only one seat, now has 14 seats in the 248-member chamber, according to NHK.
Founded in 2020 by Sohei Kamiya, the party first gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. It spread controversial views about vaccines and global elites.
In this year’s campaign, Sanseito promoted a “Japanese First” message. It focused on limiting immigration, reducing overtourism, and improving Japan’s economy.