Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his decision to step down as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September. This decision was by a mix of political scandal, rising living costs and internal and external pressures.
Also Read: Elon Musk’s Interview With Donald Trump Highlights
Fumio Kishida’s leadership saw a steady decline in popularity with approval ratings dropping to as low as 15.5% in the months leading up to his decision. This is the lowest approval rating for a Japanese Prime Minister in over a decade.
A major scandal involving over 80 LDP lawmakers including members of Fumio Kishida’s own faction, came to light, where unreported profits from party gatherings were allegedly siphoned into slush funds.
This scandal damaged the public’s trust in the party and Fumio Kishida’s leadership. Despite evidence suggesting involvement from Fumio Kishida’s faction, the Prime Minister escaped sanctions leading to accusations of double standards.
Within the LDP there was pressure on Fumio Kishida to step aside, as many party members doubted his ability to lead the party to victory in future elections especially with the next general election scheduled for 2025.
Fumio Kishida’s tenure was by huge achievements in foreign policy. He strengthened Japan’s defense ties with the United States and took steps away from Japan’s post-war pacifist stance.
Kishida was instrumental in deepening defense cooperation with Washington and mending strained relations with South Korea.
Under his leadership Japan saw record defense spending, which was aimed at countering the growing threats from an assertive China and a nuclear-armed North Korea.
Fumio Kishida’s government introduced policies aimed at lifting wages and household incomes to counter the rising cost of living.
These measures were overshadowed by the economic challenges facing the country such as inflation and the weakened yen.
The fundraising scandal became a main point for public anger especially given the economic struggles many Japanese households were facing.
The scandal highlighted issues of corruption within the ruling party and further fueled mistrust among the populace.
Also Read: Sweden Snitch Law Proposal Faces Backlash from Public Sector Workers
The scandal led to the resignation of several high-ranking LDP members including four cabinet ministers, five senior vice-ministers and a parliamentary vice-minister.
Japanese prosecutors launched criminal investigations into the alleged misappropriation of funds by LDP lawmakers.
Fumio Kishida’s decision not to seek re-election as LDP president is seen as a move to allow for a more open and transparent leadership contest within the party.
The decision to step down has opened the door for several successors. Among the names being considered are Shigeru Ishiba, a centrist former defense secretary, Taro Kono, the digital minister known for his flamboyant style and several female candidates including Sanae Takaichi, Seiko Noda and Yoko Kamikawa.
The inclusion of female candidates could lead to Japan having its first woman Prime Minister.
Fumio Kishida’s administration was by scandals involving political contributions within the LDP, which damaged the party’s reputation.
His efforts to restore public trust including proposing reforms to campaign finance rules and dissolving his own faction within the LDP, were largely unsuccessful.
The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe brought scrutiny to the party’s ties with the Unification Church.
One of the major factors contributing to Kishida’s unpopularity was the economic situation in Japan particularly the rising inflation that put pressure on households.
Japan’s central bank maintained low-interest rates despite rising prices, which exacerbated the financial strain on consumers.
The government’s failure to effectively manage these economic challenges led to a drop in Kishida’s approval ratings which had plummeted to 25% by August 2024.
The LDP is now faced with the task of selecting a new leader who can restore public trust and guide the country through its challenges.
Also Read: Iraq Proposes Controversial Law to Lower Marriage Age for Girls to 9
