Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba Resigns Amid Election Defeats and Scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on March 15, 2025, following significant election defeats that have left his governing party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), fractured and vulnerable. In a statement to public broadcaster NHK, Ishiba expressed that stepping down was necessary to preserve party unity and prevent a deeper political crisis. A formal press conference is anticipated later in the day.

His resignation follows a series of setbacks for the LDP, which lost its majority in the House of Representatives during the general election in October 2024. This situation was exacerbated in July 2025 when the party coalition, including its partner Komeito, suffered another defeat in the House of Councillors. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in decades that the ruling coalition lost control of both chambers of the National Diet. Public confidence in Ishiba’s leadership plummeted, with approval ratings dropping to approximately 23% after the Upper House loss.

Growing pressures within the LDP have illuminated significant discontent among voters, leading to rifts within the party. Influential lawmakers, including Shinjiro Koizumi, urged Ishiba to resign to mitigate further divisions. Party insiders indicated that prolonging his leadership could exacerbate internal fractures, especially as opposition parties began to gain traction.

Ishiba, who assumed office in September 2024 after securing victory in the LDP leadership contest, framed his resignation as a necessary step for the party’s future. His departure underscores the factional tensions within the ruling party and the urgent need for stability in Japan’s political landscape.

In addition to electoral defeats, Ishiba’s administration faced scrutiny due to a political funding scandal earlier in 2025. His office distributed gift certificates valued at approximately ¥100,000 (around $680 or £500) to newly elected LDP lawmakers, which sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about potential violations of political funding laws. Although not the sole reason for his resignation, the scandal further damaged Ishiba’s credibility and intensified perceptions of an embattled administration.

With Ishiba’s exit, attention now shifts to the upcoming LDP leadership race. Early frontrunners include Sanae Takaichi, a former internal affairs minister, and Shinjiro Koizumi, the former environment minister. Other potential candidates mentioned include Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and former foreign minister Fumio Kishida. The leadership contest is expected to be expedited as the ruling party aims to restore stability.

Ishiba’s resignation occurs during a critical juncture for Japan, which faces pressing economic challenges, demographic shifts, and regional security concerns. His sudden departure tests the unity of the LDP and raises critical questions about the future direction of Japanese politics, particularly as opposition parties seek to capitalize on the government’s weakened position.