Kishida Steps Down as Party Leader, Japan Awaits New Prime Minister
Japan is on the lookout for a new Prime Minister as the incumbent, Fumio Kishida, also the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has announced his resignation. Kishida’s decision may be attributed to the dwindling approval ratings for the party and growing internal pressure to ‘inject’ youthful energy into the leadership. He has been experiencing some exams within his presidency such as economic hardness, inflation increment and controversy in some of the domestic and foreign policies issues.
Kishida, whose ruling LDP came to power in October 2021, began with a fairly high approval rating, both for the COVID-19 policies and for strengthening Japan’s military capabilities. However, they have shown their displeasure probably as a result of the economic hardships, including the cost of living, which has greatly gone up, and the non–moving wages in Kenya. Also, his political stands especially concerning the foreign policy has been criticized mainly in regard to China and North Korea.
It is now the race to the leadership of the LDP, in which Fumio Kishida is expected to succeed as Japan’s next Prime Minister given the commanding role of the party in the Japanese parliament. Leading aspirants for the post, all are members of the LDP, and they have a different line for the further direction of Japan. The new leader will have to solve the economic issues that have characterized Kishida’s government while accommodating Japan’s strategic position.
This leadership change is a turning point for the Japan as the new PM has to continue navigate the country’s internal matters as well as its foreign policy for years to come. The decision that is expected to be made to choose the new leader of LDP will in one way or the other affect the future of Japan.
