Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his decision to step down next month, ending his three-year tenure in late September. This decision has set the stage for a highly unpredictable contest for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which will determine Japan’s next prime minister. The race is expected to be competitive, with numerous plausible contenders vying for the position.
Political analysts have pointed to a series of scandals that have plagued Kishida’s premiership as the main reason for his resignation. The new LDP leader will need to focus on regaining public trust and addressing key issues such as rising living costs, tensions with China and North Korea, and the possible return of Donald Trump as US president.
Potential candidates for the LDP leadership include party insiders, maverick ministers, and two MPs under the age of 50. The inclusion of two women in the race raises the possibility of Japan appointing its first female prime minister, although this outcome is seen as unlikely at this stage.
The next LDP leader will need to bring the party together and effectively manage the government, according to political analysts. While Kishida may play a role in choosing his successor, the outcome of the party election remains uncertain. The LDP’s new leader will need to navigate through a time of deep uncertainty for the party as it prepares for upcoming lower house elections in October next year.
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