Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigned

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigned along with his Cabinet on Tuesday, clearing the path for Shigeru Ishiba to assume leadership. Kishida, who took office in 2021, stepped down as his party seeks a new leader following a series of scandals that marred his administration.

Ishiba, who was chosen as the new head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday, announced his intention to call a parliamentary election for October 27, shortly after he is expected to be formally appointed as prime minister later today. “It is important to have the new administration get the public’s judgment as soon as possible,” Ishiba stated on Monday, indicating his plans for a swift election. However, opposition parties have criticized the limited timeframe for policy review and discussion before the election.

With the LDP’s ruling coalition holding a majority, Ishiba is virtually assured of becoming prime minister in the parliamentary vote.

Kishida’s resignation was marked by a Cabinet meeting where he and his ministers stepped down. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reported that Kishida received a farewell ceremony, complete with a bouquet of red roses and applause from staff and former ministers as he exited his office.