Japanese prime minister refutes resignation reports after election loss

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphatically denied reports that he plans to resign next month, as speculation about his political future continues to swirl amid mounting pressure within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

“Nothing that has been reported is true,” Ishiba told reporters, responding directly to media claims that he was poised to announce his resignation in the coming weeks, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

These reports emerged shortly after Japan and the United States finalized a surprise trade agreement, which Ishiba cited as a significant factor influencing his decision to remain in office despite the LDP-Komeito coalition’s loss of a majority in the recent Upper House election.

In a rare gathering at party headquarters earlier that day, Ishiba met with three former prime ministers—Taro Aso, Yoshihide Suga, and Fumio Kishida—where the leaders reportedly expressed a shared recognition of the party’s precarious position and the urgent need for unity. Ishiba noted that his own political standing was not a topic of discussion during the meeting.

“I’ll do my best to make sure that people’s livelihood is protected,” Ishiba stated, referring to the newly secured tariff agreement with Washington.

Despite Ishiba’s reassurances and his emphasis on the trade deal as a reason to maintain leadership, internal dissent within the LDP continues to grow.

By Vafa Guliyeva