Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not run for re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the upcoming leadership race. This decision comes as a surprise, as Kishida had been widely expected to seek another term as party leader.
Kishida’s decision not to run for re-election is seen as a significant development in Japanese politics, as it opens up the field for other contenders to vie for the top spot. The LDP leadership race is set to take place in late September, and the winner will likely become the next Prime Minister of Japan.
Kishida has been facing mounting pressure in recent months, with his approval ratings plummeting due to a series of scandals and controversies. His decision not to run for re-election is seen as a bid to avoid a potentially bruising leadership contest.
The LDP has been in power for most of the post-war period, and the leadership race is expected to be fiercely contested. Several high-profile candidates are already positioning themselves for a run, including former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Koichi Hagiuda.
Kishida’s departure from the leadership race is also seen as a sign of the growing influence of the LDP’s conservative wing, which has been critical of his leadership style and policy decisions. The party’s next leader will face significant challenges, including navigating Japan’s complex relationships with China and North Korea, as well as addressing the country’s economic and demographic challenges.