Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will step down in September | Politics News

Kishida will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling LDP in next month’s party elections.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in next month’s party elections, a decision that means the country will also have a new prime minister.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, Kishida said it was time for a new face at the helm of the LDP and that he would fully support its leadership.

“In this election, it is necessary to show the people that the LDP is changing and that the party is a new LDP,” Kishida told reporters.

“For this, transparent and open elections and a free and vigorous debate are important. The most obvious first step to showing that the PDL will change is for me to step aside. I will not run in the next presidential elections.”

Kishida informed senior government officials of his intention not to run, Japanese media including national broadcaster NHK reported.

Kishida was elected party chairman in September 2021 for a three-year term and won the general election shortly after.

But his approval ratings fell sharply amid a major corruption scandal within the LDP surrounding undeclared political funds raised through tickets sold for party events. More than 80 LDP lawmakers, most belonging to a large faction of the party formerly led by murdered former prime minister Shinzo Abe, were caught up in the scandal and 10 people – lawmakers and their aides – were indicted in January.

Whoever wins the race for party leader will become Japan’s next prime minister, as the LDP has the most seats in parliament.

Kishida, a former foreign minister with a reputation as a consensus builder, took over the top job from Yoshihide Suga, who has been criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Kishida, Japan committed to doubling its defense spending to the NATO standard of two percent of GDP by 2027.

This marked a turning point from decades of strict pacifism, encouraged by the United States amid concern over China’s increasingly assertive position in the Asia-Pacific.

Kishida visited the US in April as the two countries announced a “new era” in cooperation.

In July, Japan and the Philippines signed a defense pact that allows troops to be deployed in each other’s territory.