Poonam Nath

Japan: 'Baton to next Gen', Shigeru Ishiba resigns as PM

Digital Desk: In a major setback to the nation, Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba resigned on Sunday amid criticism for consecutive electoral defeats. At a time of turmoil, his resignation puts the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in a leadership contest.

At a televised press conference, Ishiba announced, "I have decided to resign from my position as president of the Liberal Democratic Party."

"I have instructed Secretary-General Moriyama to conduct presidential election procedures... He should start the process of choosing a new president, in my opinion", Ishiba expanded on his assertion.

After weeks of opposition, the 68-year-old leader of Japan, who had been in office since October, resigned, citing the need to prevent a political vacuum in the face of issues like rising prices, US tariffs, reforms to the country's rice policy, and regional tensions. His departure came after his ruling coalition lost parliamentary majorities in back-to-back election defeats.

Shigeru Ishiba's resignation, which was interpreted as a no-confidence motion, happened right before a planned vote on an early leadership election. His resignation had been publicly demanded by senior party leaders, including Taro Aso and cabinet ministers. 

According to reports, former prime minister Yoshihide Suga and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi had urged him to resign before the vote.

A trade agreement with the United States was Ishiba's final significant act as prime minister. In exchange for Japanese investments totalling $550 billion, the deal lowered Trump's 25% tariffs on Japanese goods to 15%. Additionally, he wrote Trump a private letter inviting him to Japan and expressing hope for a "golden era" in the alliance.