Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirms he will step down

Fumio Kishida on his way out. The unpopular Japanese Prime Minister announced on Wednesday, August 14, his intention to no longer be a candidate for the presidency of the ruling party, the LDP, which is being held in September. He will effectively leave the post of head of government.In this election for the presidency [du parti]it is necessary to show the people that the PLD [le Parti libéral-démocrate au pouvoir] is changing. The most obvious first step to [le] show is that I withdraw”he said at a press conference. “I have taken this difficult decision with the firm conviction that politics is only possible with the trust of the people and that we will move forward with political reform.”he added.

Fumio Kishida, 67, has been in office since October 2021 and has seen his popularity ratings plummet, severely weakened by inflation and political and financial scandals affecting his party. The world’s fourth-largest economy is struggling to get back on track after the Covid-19 period. Last November, the Prime Minister announced a 17 trillion yen (over 100 billion euros) stimulus plan as he tried to reduce inflation pressure.

This decision to leave the head of the party, and therefore the government, launches the race for his succession, which looks set to be uncertain. “In this election for the presidency, I hope that those who believe they have the required qualities will actively raise their hands and engage in a serious debate,” concluded Fumio Kishida.