Shigeru Ishiba to Call Snap Election on October 27 After Becoming Japan’s New Prime Minister

Shigeru Ishiba to Call Snap Election on October 27 After Becoming Japan’s New Prime Minister

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s incoming prime minister and head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), announced on Monday that he plans to call a parliamentary election for October 27, immediately following his official appointment on Tuesday.

Ishiba was elected LDP leader last Friday, succeeding outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. With the LDP and its coalition holding a majority in parliament, Ishiba’s election as prime minister is assured.

In his remarks, Ishiba emphasized the importance of securing public support, stating his intent to hold an election as soon as possible to gain a mandate for his policy agenda.

The leadership change follows Kishida’s decision to step down in response to ongoing scandals that affected his administration’s popularity. Ishiba aims to use this fresh start to rebuild public trust and strengthen the party’s standing ahead of the upcoming election.

Source: AP