Another liberal head of government bites the dust?
Japanese Liberal Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had reportedly decided to step down, and would announce his resignation by the end of August.
The move by Ishiba would have comes after his ruling coalition’s poor performance in the upper-house elections, where it lost its majority — losing 19 seats in the vote.
Reuters reported:
“The reports come after Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a trade deal that lowers tariffs on imports of Japanese autos and spares Tokyo punishing new levies on other goods.”
After Sunday’s election debacle, Ishiba vowed to stay in office to finish negotiating the US tariff agreement, and face mounting economic issues.
“’I can’t say until I scrutinize the outcome of the agreement’, Ishiba told reporters on Wednesday when asked whether the tariff deal with Washington would influence his decision on whether to stay on.”
BREAKING: ISHIBA DENIES REPORTS THAT HE WILL RESIGN
“I have said no such thing.” pic.twitter.com/Jpjbn79Wui
— 由仁アリン Arin Yuni (@Arin_Yumi) July 23, 2025
However, a few hours after this report, the PM came public to deny that he had any such intentions.
So, Reuters came up with a totally different article:
“Asked about media reports that he had expressed his intention to step down as early as this month, the 68-year-old leader Ishiba told reporters at party headquarters on Wednesday: “I have never made such a statement…The facts reported in the media are completely unfounded.”
[…] His departure less than a year after taking office would trigger a succession battle within the ruling Liberal Democratic party as it contends with challenges from new political parties, particularly on the right, that are chipping away at its support.
Among them is the ‘Japanese First’ Sanseito far-right group which surged in Sunday’s vote, growing its representation in the 248-seat upper house to 14 from one. The party has attracted voters with pledges to curb immigration, slash taxes, and provide financial relief to households squeezed by rising prices.”
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