Japanese PM Kishida announces departure amid slush funds scandal

The decision comes as Kishida faces mounting pressure over a slush funds scandal that has significantly eroded his government's approval ratings.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Kishida stated his decision was made "to impress on the public that the LDP has changed." The Prime Minister emphasized the need for the party to restore public trust and address pressing national issues, including Japan's declining birthrate and defense capabilities. Kishida, who has been in office since October 2021, also mentioned that he would continue serving as a "rank-and-file" LDP lawmaker.

Kishida's announcement follows the recent warning by Japan's weather agency of a potential megaquake along the Nankai Trough, which has prompted his Cabinet to step up disaster preparedness efforts. Despite Kishida's efforts to manage the situation, his administration has struggled with plummeting approval ratings, now in the 20 percent range, largely due to the scandal that emerged late last year.

The slush funds scandal involves several LDP factions, including the one formerly led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who failed to report income from fundraising activities, leading to the creation of undisclosed funds. Kishida responded by disbanding his faction and penalizing veteran lawmakers linked to the scandal, but these actions were not enough to prevent a significant electoral setback in April's by-elections.

As Kishida steps down, several potential candidates have emerged to succeed him. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Digital Minister Taro Kono, LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, and other prominent LDP figures are expected to enter the race. The new party leader will face the challenge of stabilizing the party and leading it into the next general election.

The LDP has been under intense scrutiny since the scandal broke, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to close loopholes in political funding laws. Kenta Izumi, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), warned voters not to be misled by the LDP's attempt to distance itself from past controversies.

Kishida's tenure as Prime Minister has seen significant events, including Japan's decision to double its defense spending, a landmark shift in the country's postwar security policy. Kishida also sought to improve relations with South Korea and played a key role in international diplomacy, hosting the G7 summit in Hiroshima and visiting Ukraine for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

With Kishida's departure, the LDP faces a crucial period of transition as it seeks to maintain its grip on power and navigate the challenges ahead. (ILKHA)