Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprising announcement on Wednesday that he will not run in the upcoming party leadership vote in September. This decision paves the way for Japan to have a new prime minister as Kishida’s term as president of the governing Liberal Democratic Party expires.
With dwindling support ratings below 20% due to his party’s corruption scandals and recent local election losses, Kishida decided not to run in the September vote. He aims to show that his party is changing for the better and will support a new leader in the transition.
The corruption scandal, involving unreported political funds raised through party events tickets, led to the indictment of ten people in January, including lawmakers and their aides. As a response, Kishida removed cabinet ministers and party executives, dissolved party factions, and passed a law tightening political funds control.
His decision not to seek re-election comes amidst calls for a fresh face in the party to regain public trust ahead of the next general election. The leadership change signals a new chapter for Japan’s political landscape.
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