Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced he will not run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership election next month. This means he will step down as prime minister after three years in power. Kishida made this decision following a scandal involving slush funds within the LDP, which has severely damaged his popularity.
The announcement was unexpected and came as the government was focusing on disaster preparedness due to a recent warning of a possible major earthquake in Japan.
Kishida said he chose not to run for re-election as a way to show the public that the LDP is changing. He also urged LDP lawmakers to unite under a new leader to regain public trust and address important issues like Japan’s declining birthrate and the need for stronger defense.
Kishida’s approval ratings have dropped to around 20% following the slush funds scandal, which began last year. Despite his unpopularity, Kishida had hoped to run for re-election. However, many in the LDP called for his resignation, fearing the party would lose in the next general election if he remained leader.
Opposition parties have criticized the LDP’s strategy, suggesting that the party is trying to make people forget the scandal by changing leaders. Some believe a snap election might be called soon after a new prime minister is chosen.
Several candidates are expected to run in the LDP leadership race, including former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Digital Minister Taro Kono. The LDP will soon choose its new leader, who will become Japan’s next prime minister.
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