Japan PM Ishiba resigns after election defeats

New Delhi, Sep 7: Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stepped down after less than a year in office, following two major election setbacks that weakened the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

His resignation came just before the LDP was set to decide on an internal leadership vote that could have forced him out. Under Ishiba, the party lost its majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years and later lost control of the upper house in July.

Ishiba had delayed his departure until the conclusion of negotiations with Washington on US tariff measures. A trade deal signed last week eased tariffs on Japanese car exports and other goods, clearing the way for his exit. The 68-year-old leader, who took office in October 2024, had promised to address inflation and rising living costs but struggled to maintain public support. Sharp increases in food prices, including a doubling of rice costs, fuelled discontent. His administration also faced criticism over cabinet appointments and allegations of distributing expensive gifts to party members, further eroding confidence. Ishiba’s resignation leaves Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy and a key US ally, facing a period of political uncertainty as regional tensions with China and wider security concerns continue to grow.