Prime Minister Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi”>Fumio Kishida
, who also leads Japan’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), announced on Wednesday that he will not run in the upcoming party election in late September. This means that Kishida, who is 67 years old, will step down as prime minister after serving for nearly three years, starting from October 4, 2021.Kishida’s time as prime minister has been difficult, with his government struggling to gain popularity. The approval ratings for his cabinet have remained low, around 20%. This drop in support is partly because some members of his party violated the Political Funds Control Law, which has upset many people. Because of this, there has been growing pressure within the LDP for a new leader to take over and many believe it’s time for Kishida to step aside.
During a press conference, Kishida said that he will not run for president in the upcoming election and instead focus on supporting whoever is chosen as the new leader. Earlier, Kishida had hinted at running again by discussing new economic plans he wanted to introduce in the fall. However, polls have shown consistently low approval ratings for his cabinet since last November. Concerns about Kishida’s ability to lead have been growing within the party.
Kishida’s term as LDP president will end on September 30 and an election to choose his replacement will be held between September 20 and 29. The new LDP president will also become Japan’s next prime minister after being approved by parliament. The LDP is searching for a strong leader who can guide them through the next lower house election scheduled for next year.
Kishida’s decision not to run may encourage other candidates to enter the race. So far Digital Minister Taro Kono has expressed plans to run while other possible candidates include LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi among others.
During his time as prime minister,Kishidamade important changes including strengthening Japan’s defense by updatingthe National Security Strategy.He also hostedthe G7 summitin Hiroshima,his hometown,last year
