続投ぞくとう意向いこうの石破いしば首相しゅしょう きょう麻生あそう氏しら総理そうり大臣だいじん経験けいけん者しゃと会談かいだんへ

Prime Minister Ishiba has indicated his intention to remain in office, prompting a series of calls within the Liberal Democratic Party from mid-level and younger lawmakers, as well as local organizations, for his resignation or a reshuffling of the party leadership.

Prime Minister Ishiba is expected to meet with former prime ministers, including Senior Advisor Aso, on the 23rd, to discuss analyzing the causes of the defeat in the upcoming House of Councillors election and to seek their cooperation in managing the administration.

As a result of the House of Councillors election, with the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito becoming a minority ruling coalition in both houses of the Diet, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his intention to continue in office, stating that national politics must not be allowed to stagnate.

In response to this, within the Liberal Democratic Party, mainly among mid-career and younger members of the former Abe faction, there have been a series of posts on social media calling for Prime Minister Ishiba to resign. Additionally, some are voicing demands to move up the party leadership election, which is scheduled to be held the year after next, in accordance with the partys rules.

Furthermore, some local organizations, such as the Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectural chapters, are moving to formally request in writing the resignation of Prime Minister Ishiba as party president and a reshuffling of the executive leadership.

Additionally, about ten members of the former Motegi faction have decided to collect signatures to quickly convene the General Assembly of Both Houses, the partys official decision-making body. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sasagawa said, I thought taking responsibility was the natural outcome for a leader, but most people are surprised by the decision to continue in office.

Some veteran lawmakers, including former General Council Chairman Tsutomu Sato, have pointed out that, in light of the election results, the Liberal Democratic Party should become the opposition and start over from scratch.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Iwaya said, The most important thing is not to cause stagnation in national politics at this stage.

It is hell to move forward, and hell to retreat, but we must keep moving forward for the sake of the nation and its people, he said.

Also, Election Strategy Committee Chairman Kihara said, I believe the decision to continue was a painful one, with the Prime Minister himself taking responsibility.

I want to firmly support as one of the executive members, he said.

In this context, Prime Minister Ishiba is scheduled to meet with three former prime ministers—Senior Advisor Aso, Vice President Suga, and former Prime Minister Kishida—on the afternoon of the 23rd.

Taking into account ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, he is expected to explain his intention to remain in office, inform them that the party will analyze the reasons for the defeat in the House of Councillors election by next month, and seek cooperation in running the administration.