Tokyo, Sep 07 (V7N) – Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has announced his resignation, less than a year after taking office. Ishiba, who became prime minister in October last year, stepped down following mounting pressure from within his party after a series of electoral defeats.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito first lost their majority in the lower house of parliament earlier this year. In July, the coalition also suffered a setback in the upper house, intensifying criticism of Ishiba’s leadership.

Rumors of his resignation had circulated a week ago, but Ishiba initially dismissed them. His decision to step down came just a day before the LDP is set to hold a special leadership election on Monday.

When Ishiba assumed office, he pledged to combat inflation and reform his party. However, persistent political instability and internal rifts undermined his position. According to Al Jazeera, his resignation is seen as an attempt to prevent a deeper split within the LDP.

END/SMA/AJ