Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will step down next month, won’t run for re-election
In a press conference on Wednesday, Kishida said it is necessary to present the LDP as a “changed party.”
“Transparent and open elections and a free and vigorous debate are more important than ever. The most obvious first step, to show that the LDP will change, is for me to step aside.”
The LDP, which has held power almost continuously since its founding in 1955, has in recent months been embroiled in one of Japan’s biggest political scandals in decades.
Two of the most influential factions in the LDP have been accused of failing to properly declare their income and expenditure and, in some instances, allegedly rerouting political funds to lawmakers as kickbacks.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
In light of Japan's ongoing political scandal, it's crucial for the LDP to regain the world's trust and demonstrate transformation. To start this process in Asia, where the LDP has significant influence, transparency and accountability should be prioritized in future political operations.
