Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly preparing to resign following a series of disappointing election results, according to multiple Japanese media outlets.
The unexpected move comes after Ishiba held discussions with former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Agricultural Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Saturday evening, both of whom are considered close allies. Sources suggest these discussions centered on avoiding a potential split within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Calls for Ishiba to take responsibility for the LDP’s lackluster performance in the July Upper House elections have intensified recently. The LDP was anticipated to convene on Monday to decide whether to hold a special election for party leadership.
Ishiba assumed office in October 2024. Shortly after his inauguration, the LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, lost their majority in the Lower House elections. The government coalition also failed to secure a majority in the subsequent July Upper House elections.
