Shigeru Ishiba Resigns: Who Will Be Japan’s Next PM As LDP Faces Fierce Leadership Battle?

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday announced his resignation, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The move follows months of internal strife and discontent within the party, particularly after the LDP’s disappointing performance in the July upper house elections.

“I have decided to resign from my position as president of the Liberal Democratic Party,” Ishiba declared during a televised press conference. He added that he had asked Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama to begin the procedures for a leadership election. The announcement came shortly after four senior party officials, including Moriyama himself, offered to resign in an attempt to quell mounting criticism.

The resignation reflects deep fissures within the LDP. Party elders, such as former Prime Minister Taro Aso, pushed Ishiba to step aside, citing his responsibility for the election setback. However, some veterans cautioned that relying on factional politics risks further eroding public trust. With the LDP having lost its majority in both parliamentary chambers, Japan now faces a period of heightened political uncertainty. Unlike previous transitions, the new party leader may not automatically secure the premiership, leaving the door open for opposition groups to attempt a power shift.

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As the LDP scrambles to select a successor, several prominent figures have emerged as frontrunners:

Sanae Takaichi

A long-time conservative lawmaker, Takaichi has served in multiple ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Economic Security from 2022 to 2024. Known for her close ties to the late Shinzo Abe, she represents continuity with the party’s traditional security-first stance. Her supporters praise her experience, though critics argue her brand of politics might fail to reconnect with younger and disillusioned voters.

Shinjiro Koizumi

The son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, he is widely regarded as the face of the party’s reformist wing. Currently serving as agriculture minister, Koizumi has gained visibility through policies aimed at stabilising rice prices. Educated at Columbia University, he is seen as charismatic and modern, appealing to younger voters. If elected, he would become Japan’s youngest prime minister in the postwar era.

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Yoshimasa Hayashi

Currently the chief cabinet secretary, Hayashi is a seasoned political operator with a diverse ministerial portfolio, from foreign affairs to defence. Fluent in English and with international exposure, he is considered pragmatic and capable of navigating Japan’s global relationships. His steady, technocratic approach appeals to moderates within the party.