On August 7, a conservative group within Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), called the “Conference to Protect Japan’s Dignity and National Interest,” submitted a formal request for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign immediately and for a new party leadership election to be held. The group, led by Upper House member Shigeharu Aoyama, said that 75 LDP lawmakers support the demand.
In the letter, the group pointed to the LDP’s major losses in both last fall’s Lower House election and this July’s Upper House election, saying the people’s will must be respected. It called on Ishiba to take responsibility for the defeats and step down as party president. They also insisted that the next party leadership race be held with full participation, including rank-and-file party members.
Regarding Ishiba’s planned statement marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the group said he is in no position to issue such a message after losing two national elections and urged him to cancel it.
Aoyama told reporters the group submitted the request ahead of a key LDP meeting scheduled for August 8, saying it was important for the Prime Minister to understand where the group stands. He added that if Ishiba does not announce his resignation soon, the LDP alone could gather over 51 lawmakers in the Lower House to submit a no-confidence motion against his own Cabinet.
by MagazineKey4532