Japan's Leadership Transition: Kishida Steps Down, Ishiba Set to Take Helm

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigned along with his Cabinet, setting the stage for Shigeru Ishiba to become the new leader. Kishida's resignation marks the end of his scandal-plagued term. Ishiba, elected as the Liberal Democratic Party's leader, promises swift parliamentary elections to solidify his administration.

In a significant political shift, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has resigned alongside his Cabinet, paving the way for Shigeru Ishiba to assume office.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that Kishida and his ministers officially stepped down during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Ishiba was elected as the governing Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leader last Friday, following Kishida's earlier announcement of his resignation by the end of his three-year term.

Later on Tuesday, Ishiba is expected to be confirmed as prime minister in a parliamentary vote, given the LDP's strong coalition majority. Once affirmed, he will announce his new Cabinet. Kishida's resignation comes as a strategic move to rejuvenate his party's leadership after multiple scandals.

Ishiba, who garnered experience as defence and agriculture minister, plans to call a parliamentary election for October 27. ''It is crucial for the new administration to quickly seek the public's judgment,'' Ishiba stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)