Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Resigns After Crushing Election Defeat

TOKYO, Sept 7: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation today, following mounting calls within his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to take responsibility for a historic electoral setback in July’s parliamentary elections. His departure marks the end of a brief, tumultuous tenure that began just under a year ago.

Political Storm: Election Defeat and Party Pressure

The LDP lost its majority in both the upper and lower houses of parliament — a significant blow given its decades-long dominance. Internal pressure intensified as the LDP’s reduced mandate rendered Ishiba’s position untenable amid fractured party unity.

Tariff Deal with U.S. Sealed Before Exit

Ishiba’s decision to resign came shortly after finalizing a trade agreement with the U.S., reducing automobile tariffs — seen as a major economic win. He made a point of securing the deal before stepping aside.

Leadership Race and Market Reaction

His resignation triggered an emergency LDP leadership contest. Front-runners include Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. Takaichi’s calls for expansionary fiscal policy contrast with Koizumi’s more moderate stance. In the markets, the yen weakened, while government bond yields fell amid uncertainty.

Legacy of a Brief Tenure

Despite entering office amid hopes for reform, Ishiba struggled to maintain momentum. Rising living costs and growing public dissatisfaction overshadowed early signs of positive administration. His resignation now leaves the LDP racing to stabilize and prepare for possibly challenging elections ahead.

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Source: Based on reporting by Daily Excelsior (Read Original)

Labels: Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, LDP, Resignation, Political Crisis 2025

Tags: #JapanPolitics #IshibaResigns #LDPLeadership #ElectionLoss #TradeDeal

Disclaimer: This is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.