Electoral defeats, inflation and tension with China: Understand the context of the renunciation of the Japan Premier

Ishiba faced difficulties in inspiring confidence in the midst of economic pressures, electoral defeats and growing tensions with China BBC Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday after less than a year in office after two major electoral defeats. The measure occurs the day before his Democratic Liberal Party (PLD) decides on the realization of an internal vote to define his leadership, which could have forced to resign. The LDP has ruled Japan for most of the last seven decades, but, under the command of Ishiba, has lost the majority in the House of Representatives for the first time in 15 years and in July lost the majority in the Senate. Japan, the fourth largest economy in the world and an important United States ally, now faces a period of political uncertainty, with increasing tensions with China and increasing regional insecurity. Read also understand how the succession process works and see who are the most quoted “now that we have come to a conclusion in negotiations on US tariff measures, I believe this is precisely the appropriate time,” said Ishiba, referring to an agreement last week to relieve the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, about Japanese cars and other exports. Until Sunday, he resisted appeals to resign, stating that it was his responsibility to resolve the dispute with Washington before leaving office. “I firmly believe that negotiations related to US tariff measures, which can be described as a national crisis, should be completed under the responsibility of our government,” he said. The 68 -year -old said he will maintain his responsibilities “with the people” until a successor is chosen. Prime Minister of Japan decides to renounce the PLD will now choose a new leader, who will become Prime Minister after a vote in Parliament. Ishiba, who took office in October 2024 promising to combat the discharge of prices, had difficulty inspiring confidence while the country faces economic difficulties, a cost of living crisis, and political conflicts with the US. Inflation, particularly the duplication of rice prices last year, was politically harmful. Public support fell even more after a series of controversy, including criticism of their decision to appoint only two women to their office and distribute expensive gifts to party members.

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