Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly preparing to resign following disappointing results in the recent Upper House election. Multiple Japanese media outlets are consistent in their reporting that a formal announcement of his departure is expected shortly.
Initially, following the election outcome, Ishiba had indicated his intention to remain in his position despite the setback. The coalition government, comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito party, secured only 47 of the 125 seats up for grabs in the Upper House election. This fell short of the 50 seats required for a clear mandate.
Prior to his anticipated resignation announcement, Ishiba is scheduled to meet with three former Prime Ministers of the LDP – Taro Aso, Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida – on Wednesday. Sources suggest that his resignation will be a key topic of discussion during these meetings. Calls for Ishiba’s departure have recently intensified, emanating from younger and mid-level LDP members within the party.
