Japan PM Ishiba rejects resignation calls

Rejecting calls to step down, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday reiterated his intention to stay on, as the Liberal Democratic Party held a meeting of a key decision-making panel over the defeat in recent polls. According to reports, following the joint plenary meeting of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers in both houses of parliament, executives of the ruling party stated that its election committee will consider holding presidential poll which is not due until 2027, ahead of schedule. Despite facing calls for him to step down as Japan’s PM, Ishiba emphasised the need to fulfill his responsibility to the country, and mentioned about the challenges it continues to face despite a recent tariff deal with the United States. Asked about the possibility of an early contest for the party presidency, which he currently holds, Ishiba said: “All I can say is that it will be handled properly in line with the party rules.”

In the first national election after becoming LDP chief and premier last year, Ishiba saw the ruling coalition lose majority control of the powerful House of Representatives. Support for his Cabinet has remained low, and the latest election outcome shows how the ruling party has failed to restore trust damaged by scandals over political funds. Of the 253 members attending the meeting, 35 expressed their views, LDP Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama said. Ishiba has expressed his readiness to work more closely with opposition parties on contentious issues, including banning corporate donations -- a key LDP revenue source -- and finding new revenue streams to replace the provisional gasoline tax.