Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a decision that signals a major shift within Japan’s political landscape. Kishida, who has served as prime minister since 2021, is expected to step down after the LDP elects a new leader in September, effectively ending his tenure as Japan’s leader.
Kishida, a 67-year-old veteran of the LDP, stated that the party needs a “new start” as it faces mounting challenges, including a corruption scandal, rising living costs, and a slumping yen. His decision comes as his approval ratings have plummeted, reaching just 15.5% last month—the lowest for a prime minister in more than a decade.
“In the upcoming presidential election, it’s necessary to show the people that the Liberal Democratic Party will change,” Kishida said during a press conference on Wednesday. “A transparent and open election, and free and open debate are important. The first easy-to-understand step that indicates that the LDP will change is for me to step back.”
Kishida’s departure has sent shockwaves through the LDP, with some party leaders expressing surprise and disappointment. A senior leader told NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, that he had attempted to persuade Kishida to run for re-election, but Kishida responded that doing so would have been “irresponsible.” A member of Kishida’s faction within the party described the decision as “very regrettable and unfortunate,” noting that Kishida had a strong record in foreign policy, defense policy, and domestic politics, but was ultimately forced to step down due to issues related to “politics and money.”
The LDP, which has been in power almost continuously since 1955, now faces a period of uncertainty as it prepares for the 2025 general election. Kishida’s decision comes amid what analysts describe as a “once-in-a-generation” political crisis for Japan. The ruling party has been grappling with a major corruption scandal that has severely damaged its reputation.
Last December, four LDP cabinet ministers resigned within a fortnight over a fundraising scandal linked to the party’s most powerful faction, which was formerly led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Five senior vice-ministers and a parliamentary vice-minister from the same faction also stepped down. The scandal prompted a criminal investigation by Japanese prosecutors into whether dozens of LDP lawmakers had received proceeds from fundraising events that were not officially recorded by the party.
Kishida’s handling of the fundraising scandal drew widespread public criticism and contributed to his declining popularity. The controversy coincided with economic struggles for Japanese households, as food prices soared at the fastest rate in nearly half a century. The combination of economic woes and political scandal eroded public trust in the ruling party, despite the lack of a strong and unified opposition.
Following Kishida’s announcement, Jun Azumi, a member of parliament from the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, told NHK that “the entire political situation will be in flux” from this point forward.
Kishida’s decision to step down marks a pivotal moment in Japanese politics, as the LDP prepares for a leadership transition and the country braces for the challenges ahead.
NNEOMA UDENSI
Follow us on:
President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared that his purpose for seeking the nation's number one…
Kano state government is partnering Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to attract $23.5 million…
Nigeria's federal government has said it is currently reviewing the nation’s legal frameworks, among other…
The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the Port Harcourt International Airport have been recognised…
https://cdn.veri.app/13646108-d5ec-478b-a54c-b01f60dbca29.mp4 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu On Thursday directed Vice President, Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s…
The United Sates (US) Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed her willingness to use her…
View Comments
__9O9O CLEAN AUCTION O8O__6739__9O9O CLEAN TOKUNBO VEHICLES FOR SALE AT CHEAPER AFFORDABLE. Hotline Info O8O__6739__9O9O PRICE.OFFICER IN-CHARGE VIA WhatsApp number:O8O__6739__9O9O
BAGS OF RICE LIST OF AFFORDABLE PRICE
(*) Kings oil #16,000
(*) Elephant Gold #25,000
(*) Mama Gold #25,000
(*) Royal Stallion #25,000
(*) Rising sun #25,000
(*) Royal Crown #25,000
(*) Super Eagle #25,000
(*) Cap Rice #25,000
(*) Tomato Rice #25,000
(*) Royal umbrella #25,000
BUYER SHOULD CONTACT THE CUSTOM HOTLINE O8O__6739__9O9O
delivery per bag #the 3,500
**Clothes for bales 50kg for #55,000, 100kg for #80,000 and 150kg for #150,000 O8O__6739__9O9O
*SOME AVAILABLE TOKUNBO VEHICLES*
Golf 2,3,4 ₦400,000 - ₦600,000
Toyota Camry 2.2 Tiny-Light ₦500,000
Toyota Camry Big-Daddy ₦650,000
Toyota Camry Muscle ₦750,000
Toyota Camry Spider ₦850,000
Toyota Avalon ₦900,000
Toyota Avensis ₦700,000
Toyota Corolla ₦800,000
Toyota Yaris ₦750,000
Toyota Matrix ₦700,000
Toyota Picnic ₦650,000
Toyota Sienna ₦850,000
Toyota Venza ₦1
.3 millions naira
Toyota Rav4 ₦900,000
Toyota 4Runner ₦1.1 millions naira
Toyota Haice-Bus ₦1 millions naira
Toyota Highlander ₦1 millions naira
Toyota Land Cruiser ₦2.4 millions naira
Toyota Tundra ₦1.8 millions naira
Toyota Prado ₦2.5 millions naira
Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦950,000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦900,000
Mercedes-Benz G-Class ₦950,000
Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦1.7 millions naira
Mercedes Benz ML350 ₦1.9 millions naira
Nissan Altima ₦800,000
Nissan Armada ₦850,000
Nissan Maxima ₦950,000
Nissan Murano ₦950,000
Nissan Primera ₦600,000
Nissan Pathfinder ₦1.2 millions naira
Honda Accord ₦700,000
Honda City ₦650,000
Honda Civic ₦650,000
Honda C-RV ₦750,000
Honda Crosstour ₦950,000
Honda Element ₦850,000
Honda Evilspirit ₦750,000
Honda Odyssey ₦850,000
Honda Pilot ₦950,000
Lexus Rx330 ₦1.1 millions naira
Lexus Rx350 ₦1.2 millions naira
Lexus Rx400 ₦1.6 Millions naira
Lexus Gx470 ₦3 millions naira
Acura TL ₦950,000
Acura MDX ₦1.2 Millions naira
Acura ZDX ₦1.5
millions naira
Land Rover Discovery ₦2.5 Millions
Land Rover Freelander ₦2.2 Millions naira
Land Rover Vogue ₦2.7 Millions naira
Range Rover Sport. ₦2.6 Millions naira
TIPPER AND TRUCKS also available for sales.
NOTE : you are allowed to pay for the custom duties. VEHICLES FOR SALE AT CHEAPER AFFORDABLE. Hotline Info O8O__6739__9O9O PRICE.OFFICER IN-CHARGE VIA WhatsApp number:O8O__6739__9O9O
BAGS OF RICE LIST OF AFFORDABLE PRICE
(*) Kings oil #16,000
(*) Elephant Gold #25,000
(*) Mama Gold #25,000
(*) Royal Stallion #25,000
(*) Rising sun #25,000
(*) Royal Crown #25,000
(*) Super Eagle #25,000
(*) Cap Rice #25,000
(*) Tomato Rice #25,000
(*) Royal umbrella #25,000
BUYER SHOULD CONTACT THE CUSTOM HOTLINE O8O__6739__9O9O
delivery per bag #the 3,500
**Clothes for bales 50kg for #55,000, 100kg for #80,000 and 150kg for #150,000 O8O__6739__9O9O
*SOME AVAILABLE TOKUNBO VEHICLES*
Golf 2,3,4 ₦400,000 - ₦600,000
Toyota Camry 2.2 Tiny-Light ₦500,000
Toyota Camry Big-Daddy ₦650,000
Toyota Camry Muscle ₦750,000
Toyota Camry Spider ₦850,000
Toyota Avalon ₦900,000
Toyota Avensis ₦700,000
Toyota Corolla ₦800,000
Toyota Yaris ₦750,000
Toyota Matrix ₦700,000
Toyota Picnic ₦650,000
Toyota Sienna ₦850,000
Toyota Venza ₦1
.3 millions naira
Toyota Rav4 ₦900,000
Toyota 4Runner ₦1.1 millions naira
Toyota Haice-Bus ₦1 millions naira
Toyota Highlander ₦1 millions naira
Toyota Land Cruiser ₦2.4 millions naira
Toyota Tundra ₦1.8 millions naira
Toyota Prado ₦2.5 millions naira
Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦950,000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦900,000
Mercedes-Benz G-Class ₦950,000
Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦1.7 millions naira
Mercedes Benz ML350 ₦1.9 millions naira
Nissan Altima ₦800,000
Nissan Armada ₦850,000
Nissan Maxima ₦950,000
Nissan Murano ₦950,000
Nissan Primera ₦600,000
Nissan Pathfinder ₦1.2 millions naira
Honda Accord ₦700,000
Honda City ₦650,000
Honda Civic ₦650,000
Honda C-RV ₦750,000
Honda Crosstour ₦950,000
Honda Element ₦850,000
Honda Evilspirit ₦750,000
Honda Odyssey ₦850,000
Honda Pilot ₦950,000
Lexus Rx330 ₦1.1 millions naira
Lexus Rx350 ₦1.2 millions naira
Lexus Rx400 ₦1.6 Millions naira
Lexus Gx470 ₦3 millions naira
Acura TL ₦950,000
Acura MDX ₦1.2 Millions naira
Acura ZDX ₦1.5
millions naira
Land Rover Discovery ₦2.5 Millions
Land Rover Freelander ₦2.2 Millions naira
Land Rover Vogue ₦2.7 Millions naira
Range Rover Sport. ₦2.6 Millions naira
TIPPER AND TRUCKS also available for sales.
NOTE : you are allowed to pay for the custom duties.