TOKYO, Aug 14 (Bernama-Kyodo) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will not run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election next month and pledged to take responsibility for a political fundraising scandal.
At a press conference at the prime minister’s office, Kishida stated that his decision not to join the race, which will lead to him stepping down as premier, is “the first step to show that the LDP will change,” Kyodo news agency reported.
Kishida has been under scrutiny within the party for his handling of a political fundraising scandal involving some of its factions.
The approval ratings for Kishida’s Cabinet, launched in October 2021, have plunged to the 20 per cent range in the wake of the scandal.
Despite his unpopularity, Kishida had sought re-election. However, calls within the LDP for his resignation have grown, with concerns about the party’s prospects in the next general election, political pundits said.
So far, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is popular with the public, has expressed his intention to run in the LDP presidential election. Ishiba previously served as LDP secretary general, the second-highest position within the ruling party.
Digital Minister Taro Kono, a reform-minded and social media-savvy lawmaker, has informed LDP Vice President Taro Aso of his intention to run, according to a source.
LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi are also among those who may join the race.
— BERNAMA-KYODO