“I have made the decision to resign as president of the Liberal Democratic Party,” the 68-year-old leader said during a televised press briefing. He further informed that Secretary-General Moriyama has been instructed to begin the necessary procedures for a leadership election and initiate the process of choosing his successor.
Ishiba, who took charge in October last year, had been defying resignation demands for several weeks. He had previously cautioned that his exit might deepen Japan’s political uncertainty at a time when the country is struggling with multiple challenges, including U.S. tariff measures, inflation, contentious rice reforms, and increasing regional tensions.
The announcement came just a day before the LDP was set to decide on whether to hold an early presidential election. His decision follows the LDP-Komeito coalition’s heavy loss in recent Upper House elections, where they failed to secure a majority, as reported by The Japan Times.
Until recently, Ishiba was determined to stay on and lead the government’s upcoming economic stimulus program. As late as Friday, he reiterated his commitment to continue. However, internal calls for him to step down intensified, with senior party members urging that he resign before the leadership vote to prevent worsening factional rifts.