Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Step Down Amid Scandals and Rising Prices

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announces his decision to step down in September, ending a three-year term affected by political scandals and economic challenges. His resignation paves the way for a new leader to tackle rising prices and geopolitical tensions. Kishida will support the newly elected LDP leader as a rank-and-file member.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his intention to step down in September, concluding a three-year term overshadowed by political scandals and economic difficulties. The move sets the stage for a new leadership to address issues like rising prices and geopolitical tensions.

"Politics cannot function without public trust," Kishida stated during a press conference, explaining his decision not to pursue re-election as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He expressed his commitment to supporting the newly elected LDP leader as a rank-and-file member.

Kishida's tenure saw declining public support due to the LDP's ties with the contentious Unification Church and unrecorded political donations. Economic struggles, particularly stagnant wages amid rising living costs, further eroded his popularity. His successor faces the daunting task of unifying the party and managing Japan's complex socio-economic landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)