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The governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) controls both houses of parliament, ensuring that its president automatically assumes the nation’s top political job.
Kishida, who was elected president of the LDP in 2021, will leave so that party can present a renewed image in front of the people.
“We need to clearly show an LDP reborn,” Kishida stated during a news conference. “In order to show a changing LDP, the most obvious first step is for me to bow out.” He emphasised the importance of this decision by adding, “I will not run for the upcoming party leadership election.”
Declining popularity and
Over recent months, Kishida’s popularity has waned, with support ratings dipping below 20 per cent. His administration has been marred by a series of corruption scandals within the party, which have significantly undermined public trust.
Kishida asserted that for policies addressing complex domestic and international issues to be effective, regaining public trust is critical. “Once a new leader is decided, I hope to see everyone unite and form a dream team to achieve politics that can gain public understanding,” he said.
Kishida revealed that he had been contemplating resignation for some time but wanted to ensure his key policies were set on the right track before stepping down. His major policy initiatives included a return to nuclear energy, a substantial military buildup to respond to regional security threats, improved relations with South Korea and political reforms.
The path forward for the LDP
Following Kishida’s announcement, speculation has risen regarding potential candidates for the party leadership. Among the contenders are the party’s secretary-general Toshimitsu Motegi, digital minister Taro Kono, economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa. The new leader, once chosen, will be endorsed as the new prime minister through a parliamentary vote shortly after the party election.
LDP executives are expected to decide next week on the date for the party election. Kishida’s tenure has also seen him take steps to address the fallout from the corruption scandal, including the removal of several Cabinet ministers and other party officials from their posts, the dissolution of party factions implicated in money-for-favour politics, and tightening political funds control laws. Despite these measures, support for his government continued to erode.
The scandal involved unreported political funds raised through ticket sales for party events and implicated over 80 LDP lawmakers, many from a major faction previously led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe’s assassination brought to light long-standing connections between the LDP and the Unification Church, further complicating Kishida’s position. Indictments in January targeted ten individuals, including lawmakers and their aides.
The LDP’s declining popularity has also been reflected in electoral setbacks. Local election losses earlier this year further diminished Kishida’s influence within the party, and there has been a growing call from LDP lawmakers for new leadership ahead of the next general election. Major defeats in the Tokyo metropolitan assembly by-elections in July added to the pressure for a change at the top.
Kishida remains hopeful that a new leader will revitalise the party and restore public confidence. He has urged aspiring party lawmakers to actively participate in the leadership race and engage in policy debates during the campaign to present a united front.
