Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba to Step Down Amid Party Rift After Election Loss: Report

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has reportedly decided to resign in a bid to prevent deeper divisions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), according to public broadcaster NHK. The development comes as the party grapples with political turmoil following its recent electoral defeat.

The Prime Minister’s office has yet to issue an official statement, and Ishiba himself has not publicly confirmed the move. News of his impending resignation surfaced on Sunday, weeks after he dismissed similar reports suggesting that he planned to step down following the coalition’s setback in the July elections.

The LDP, which has held power for much of Japan’s post-war history, suffered a significant setback when it lost its majority in the upper house this summer. Last month, Ishiba maintained that he wanted to ensure the implementation of a crucial tariff deal with the United States before considering any resignation.

With speculation now intensifying, Ishiba’s possible exit signals fresh uncertainty for Japan’s political landscape as the ruling party struggles to maintain unity.

This remains a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.