Japan PM Kishida announces not to contest presidential election

TOKYO:Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Wednesday that he will not run in the presidential election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) next month, in a countdown to his three-year term.

The nation is expected to see a new prime minister this fall following the announcement by Kishida, perplexed by mounting criticism over the LDP slush fund scandal and diving approval ratings for his cabinet.

Kishida told a press conference at the prime minister's office that he takes full responsibility for the fundraising scandal and has decided to "step aside" as a first step to impress on the public that the ruling party can make a change.

Kishida had been keen to secure reelection in the leadership race despite his unpopularity, but calls have been growing within the LDP for him to resign amid fears over how the LDP would fare in the next general election under his leadership, national news agency Kyodo reported, citing political pundits.

The 67-year-old was elected president of the ruling LDP in 2021 and his three-year term expires in September.

As of Wednesday, former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba and Digital Minister Taro Kono had expressed intentions to run in the LDP presidential election.

LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi are also among those who may join the race, Kyodo reported.

Related Political Buzz News

Bharat Jodo Yatra introduced idea of love in politics: Rahul

Dallas: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the Bharat Jodo Yatra not only helped him connect and communicate directly with people but also introduced the idea of "love in the Indian political system". Talking to the students at the Texas Universi....

BJP is carrying out hooliganism in Bengal: Tejashwi Yadav

PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has said that BJP is carrying out hooliganism in Bengal and trying to disrupt peace and order. He alleged that BJP is provoking people and trying to spoil the atmosphere across the country. Tejashwi Yadav also raised questions on the increasing incidents of rap....

Russia,Ukraine exchange 115 prisoners of war on each side

KIEV?MOSCOW: Russia and Ukraine on Saturday exchanged prisoners of war with 115 military personnel from each side, mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Russian Defense Ministry said that the 115 Russian servicemen captured by Ukrainian forces in the border region of Kursk were returned ....

BJP conspiring to break family and party with power of money: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

Godda(JHARKHAND): Amid speculations of many other JMM MLAs including former CM Champai Soren joining BJP, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has made a big allegation on BJP,saying that the people of BJP are conspirators, who are engaged in breaking not only the society but also the home, family and pa....

JMM leader Champai Soren, along with 3 MLAs likely to join BJP

NEW DELHI: Amid the rumours of him joining the BJP, Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren is stated to be joining with BJP along with three MLAs.Soren, who is currently serving as a minister in the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, is said to be in contact with BJP leaders. ....