Japanese Prime Minister to Step Down Amidst Ruling Party Turmoil

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided to resign from his position, a move aimed at preventing a split within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, reported the news on Sunday, stating that Ishiba's decision comes after a period of mounting pressure.

Ishiba, who took office last October, faced significant challenges after his LDP-led coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors during the July elections. For over a month, the prime minister had resisted calls for his resignation, most of which came from his right-wing rivals within his own party.

The announcement of his resignation comes just one day before a crucial meeting of the LDP, which was scheduled to decide whether to hold an early leadership election. A vote in favor of such an election would have been considered a de facto no-confidence vote against Ishiba. By stepping down, Ishiba aims to spare his party an internal confrontation that could further weaken its political standing.