Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his resignation from the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). During a press conference in Tokyo, Kishida, who assumed the role of party leader in September 2021, confirmed he will not seek re-election in the upcoming leadership vote.
The 67-year-old Kishida, who served as Japan’s prime minister for three years, will step down following a period marked by declining popularity for the LDP. The party, which has been in power since 1955, faces increasing scrutiny due to allegations of corruption.
According to Japan’s constitution, a new prime minister will be appointed following Kishida’s resignation.