Ishiba Resists Calls to Resign, Vows to Fulfill Duties After Election Setback

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers on July 28, stating his intention to remain in office. He emphasized his commitment to his duties and his refusal to resign, despite facing criticism from party members in the preceding week.

Ishiba acknowledged the party's disappointing performance in the July 20 Upper House election. He also highlighted the recent agreement reached with the United States concerning tariffs, underscoring the importance of its implementation. He expressed his desire to fulfill his responsibilities and avoid creating political instability.

The meeting with LDP lawmakers served as a platform for exchanging opinions. It holds less decision-making power than a joint plenary meeting of members from both Diet chambers, which in turn is less significant than a party convention. Joint plenary meetings are usually convened to address urgent matters that cannot wait for a convention.

Younger LDP lawmakers initiated a petition for a joint plenary meeting. They planned to determine whether to submit the petition to party executives following the July 28 meeting.

Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama also addressed his future during the meeting. He indicated that he would announce his plan for taking responsibility for the Upper House election outcome after a report is released in August.