Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Declines Leadership Re-Election Amid Corruption Scandals

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he will not run in the upcoming party leadership vote in September, leading to a new prime minister for Japan. This decision follows dwindling support due to his party's corruption scandals. Kishida aims for a fresh start for the Liberal Democratic Party.

In a surprise announcement Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared he would not seek re-election in September's party leadership vote, paving the way for a new prime minister. Kishida, who was elected president of the Liberal Democratic Party in 2021, will see his term expire in September.

Kishida's decision not to run comes amid falling support ratings, which have dipped below 20%, largely due to corruption scandals within his party. The move allows for new leadership, with Kishida expressing his intention to back the successor as the party strives for reform.

Kishida has taken significant steps to address the scandal, including removing several Cabinet ministers and tightening political fund controls. However, the controversy has deeply impacted the LDP, with over 80 lawmakers implicated. The scandal involves unreported political funds from ticket sales at party events, with ten individuals indicted earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)