Ishiba Refuses to Resign, Vows to Prevent Political Vacuum

Prime Minister Ishiba Reaffirms His Intention to Remain in Office
"I Will Prevent a Political Vacuum for the Nation and Its People"
Pressure Mounts After LDP's Crushing Election Defeat

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has once again emphasized to members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) that he intends to remain in office.

Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan. Photo by Yonhap News

According to NHK and Kyodo News on July 28, Prime Minister Ishiba stated at a party meeting held at the LDP headquarters that afternoon, "I will fulfill my responsibility to ensure that there is never a political vacuum for the nation and its people," reaffirming his intention to stay on as prime minister.

Regarding the conclusion of tariff negotiations with the United States, Prime Minister Ishiba pledged, "I will ensure flawless implementation." He also mentioned that agricultural policy, including rice, as well as reforms to the social security system, remain important tasks.

Concerning the House of Councillors election, Prime Minister Ishiba said, "I deeply apologize for the loss of many seats," and added, "I will reflect on the reasons that led to this outcome."

Hiroshi Moriyama, LDP Secretary-General, announced the establishment of a 'House of Councillors Election Review Committee' to analyze the election results. Secretary-General Moriyama stated, "We have received a stern judgment from the public, and we must take it seriously," adding, "We will swiftly analyze the results and identify issues. I will aim to complete the report by August and clarify my responsibility as Secretary-General." These remarks are interpreted as indicating that he will decide his own course of action based on the outcome of the report.

On this day, Prime Minister Ishiba attempted to push forward to maintain his administration in front of party members, but it is reported that many lawmakers demanded his resignation. Kyodo News, citing multiple participants, reported that the majority expressed a desire for Prime Minister Ishiba to step down.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ishiba is facing mounting pressure to resign after the ruling LDP suffered a crushing defeat in the House of Councillors (upper house) election held on July 20. Prime Minister Ishiba had set the goal of maintaining a majority (50 seats) for the LDP-Komeito ruling coalition in the House of Councillors, but the coalition secured only 47 seats, leading to calls for him to take responsibility.

Subsequently, Japanese media reported that Prime Minister Ishiba would announce his resignation sometime in August following the conclusion of the US-Japan tariff negotiations. However, it is reported that Prime Minister Ishiba continues to maintain his stance of remaining in office.