On July 28, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba once again reaffirmed his previous position to maintain his post as Prime Minister to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers.
According to NHK and other sources, Prime Minister Ishiba made it clear during a meeting with LDP lawmakers at the party headquarters that afternoon that he has no intention of stepping down, stating, "I will fulfill my responsibilities to ensure that there is never a political vacuum for the nation and the people." Regarding the conclusion of tariff negotiations with the United States, he emphasized, "I will make every effort to ensure thorough implementation."
However, it is reported that many lawmakers demanded his resignation. According to Kyodo News, the majority of opinions favored Prime Minister Ishiba stepping down, while only a minority supported his continuation in office.
After the meeting, which lasted about 4 hours and 30 minutes, Prime Minister Ishiba was asked by reporters whether he still intended to remain in office. He replied, "No change. I intend to fulfill my responsibilities." He added, "I believe it is important for public opinion and our party's views to be aligned," and stated, "I will take all such factors into comprehensive consideration and make an appropriate decision."
Last September, former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, who ran in the LDP presidential election, and lawmaker Yasutoshi Nishimura, a former executive of the so-called 'Abe faction,' publicly called for Prime Minister Ishiba's resignation after the House of Councillors election. LDP lawmakers opposed to the Ishiba administration have collected signatures demanding the convening of a general meeting of lawmakers.
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