Ishiba Defies Calls for Resignation

Ishiba Defies Calls for Resignation

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has affirmed his intention to remain in office despite his governing coalition’s defeat in Sunday’s Upper House election. Addressing reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday, Ishiba stated that it would be detrimental to create a political vacuum at this time. He emphasized the necessity of a swift response to existing challenges, dismissing reports suggesting he had already decided to resign as “completely unfounded.

Earlier in the day, Ishiba convened with several former premiers at the headquarters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo. He participated in discussions with former Prime Ministers Aso Taro, Suga Yoshihide and Kishida Fumio, alongside LDP Secretary-General Moriyama Hiroshi. Ishiba described the atmosphere as reflecting a profound sense of crisis, noting that all parties present were united in their agreement that the LDP must avoid internal division.