Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will step down next month, ending his three-year term marked by low popularity ratings and economic struggles.
Kishida stated, “In this (party) presidential election, it is necessary to show the people that the LDP is changing and the party is a new LDP… For this, transparent and open elections and free and vigorous debate are important. The most obvious first step to show that the LDP will change is for me to step aside.”
Kishida’s decision comes after his and his party’s poll ratings plummeted due to rising prices, inflation, and several scandals.
United States Ambassador Rahm Emanuel praised Kishida’s leadership, saying, “Under his steadfast leadership, Kishida helped build a latticework of security alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region that will stand the test of time.”
Political science professor Koichi Nakano said, “He has failed to close ranks within the LDP… For an LDP leader, staying in power for three years is longer than the average.”
Naofumi Fujimura, professor of political science at Kobe University, noted, “As the general election is close, LDP lawmakers and party members are more likely to choose the (party) president who is popular with the people.”
Voter Kentaro Oba expressed his desire for change, saying, “I personally think the negative sides of the LDP have been surfacing lately, so a change in power might be a good idea.”
Akito Kashino, another voter, stated, “I personally would like to see someone younger take charge… We have only seen very old politicians lead our country so far, so someone more youthful and efficient would be good.”
