Japan PM Ishiba signals intent to stay on despite calls to quit
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signaled he intends to stay in office despite a growing number of calls within the ruling party for him to step down after an election setback last week.
"I intend to devote myself to the people and the future of the country,' Ishiba said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK. He added he must take responsibility for implementing the recently announced US-Japan trade deal, and that the real work on it starts now.
He is set to speak at a meeting of Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers on Monday (July 28). Party members have been calling on someone to take responsibility for the July 20 elections that saw the LDP lose its majority in Japan's upper house elections. It marks the first time since 1955 that a leader from the storied Japanese party will govern the country without a majority in at least one of the legislative bodies.
Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi called for a leadership change within the LDP on his Youtube channel over the weekend. The party needs a "fresh start with a new leader,' he said.
Local media reported last week that Ishiba was set to resign, but the prime minister denied the news shortly afterward. Asked by NHK if he had second thoughts about his decision to continue in office, Ishiba said no.
While pressure mounted on Ishiba last week, a relatively favourable trade deal for Japan was announced with the US, including the lowering of across-the-board tariffs to 15 from 25 per cent. The deal could offer Ishiba a mark of success that he can leverage to shore up his leadership.
A Mainichi newspaper opinion poll conducted July 26-27 after the election defeat showed support for Ishiba's cabinet rose five percentage points to 29 per cent, compared with a month ago. The most number of respondents also ranked Ishiba as the most suitable person to be prime minister, citing the US tariff issues. - Bloomberg
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