Japanese PM Kishida announces he will not seek re-election in September

NEWS WIRES

14 August 2024 at 3:31 am·1-min read

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has been in power since October 2021, announced on Wednesday that he would not stand for re-election as head of his party in September, marking the end of his premiership. Both Kishida and the Liberal Democratic Party have seen their popularity ratings slump due to the effect of inflation on Japanese incomes.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday he will not seek re-election as head of his party, meaning the end of his premiership after just under three years.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted since 1945, is due to hold an internal leadership contest next month. Its popularity ratings have slumped because of rising prices.

"In this presidential election, it is necessary to show the people that the LDP is changing and the party is a new LDP," Kishida told reporters in Tokyo.

"For this, transparent and open elections and free and vigorous debate are important. The most obvious first step to show that the LDP will change is for me to step aside," he said.

"I will not be running in the forthcoming presidential election."

Kishida had informed senior administration officials of his intention not to run, media including national broadcaster NHK and Kyodo news reported earlier,

The head of the ruling party is traditionally also prime minister.

Kishida, 67, has been in office since October 2021, and has seen his and his party's poll ratings slide sharply in response to rising prices hitting Japanese incomes.

(AFP)

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