Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Stands Firm Amid Pressure to Resign After Election Setback

On Friday, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba declared his determination to remain in his leadership role amidst mounting pressure for resignation from members of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This declaration came during a critical decision-making assembly in light of a substantial election loss, where he emphasized his obligation to the nation and recognized various challenges that persist, even following a recent tariff agreement with the United States.

In the face of dissent within the party, which has shown little sign of abating, Ishiba expressed a desire to hear the opinions of LDP legislators during the joint plenary meeting. This gathering resembles an LDP convention, crucial for deciding on significant matters, although it lacks the authority to unilaterally remove him from his position or initiate early leadership elections without majority backing from party lawmakers and local representatives. Regardless, the outcomes of such meetings can still energize efforts from critics advocating for his resignation.

Ishiba recently secured victory in the party's presidential election in September, and his term as LDP chief is not set to conclude until 2027. The LDP coalition, alongside the Komeito party, has faced significant challenges after losing their majority in the House of Representatives last October. During a previous informal meeting, many attendees urged Ishiba to take accountability for the electoral results and step down, which extended beyond its intended duration, illustrating the intensity of the discussion.

The calls for Ishiba's resignation predominantly come from lawmakers aligned with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's hawkish stance, following Abe's tragic assassination during a campaign event in 2022. Analysts point to a scandal involving slush funds linked to Abe’s faction as a factor contributing to the LDP's dwindling popularity. With the coalition now lacking a majority in both houses, they must seek support from opposition parties to pass legislation and budgets. Ishiba has indicated his willingness to collaborate more closely with opposition on critical issues, which includes discussing the ban of corporate donations—a significant source of funding for the LDP—and identifying alternative revenue sources to replace the temporary gasoline tax.