Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his decision to step down on Sunday, September 7, in a bid to prevent further division within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), according to Japanese television reports. His resignation comes in the wake of a major electoral setback for the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito in the July parliamentary elections.
Government sources said Ishiba has been asked to address a press conference at 0900 GMT, where he is expected to provide more details about his decision and the future course of action for the ruling party.
The move follows the coalition’s loss of its majority in both the Lower House and the Upper House of the Diet. In the 248-seat upper house, the LDP failed to secure a majority, dealing a significant blow to Ishiba’s leadership and the stability of the ruling bloc.
