Japanese PM Fumio Kishida to Step Down, Paving Way for New Leadership in September's LDP Vote

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters Monday that he will not run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election set for September 29. The judgment paves the way for a change of prime minister and, ultimately, for LDP members in both houses of parliament to decide a successor. Scandals within his party have seen public support for Kishida plummet — in May his approval ratings dropped below 20%— and he has been LDP president only since 2021. His impending departure from office comes after he announced earlier this month that he does not plan to stand for re-election, which will also spell the end of his tenure as prime minister and leave Japan's government in need of a new leader when LDP members vote for a successor.

Disclaimer:  This article includes information and inputs from the Associated Press (AP). (alert-passed)