Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announces resignation

Fumio Kishida, during a press conference in Tokyo, stated that it is time for someone new to take over the leadership of the LDP and expressed his full support for the new party leader.

In his remarks to journalists, Kishida said, "In this election, it is important to show the people that the LDP has changed and that the party is entering a new era."

Kishida further emphasized the importance of transparency and open elections, along with free and lively debates. "The most obvious first step in demonstrating that the LDP will change is for me to step aside. I will not be a candidate in the upcoming leadership election," he said.

Prime Minister Kishida had been elected to the party leadership in September 2021 for a three-year term and had subsequently won the general election shortly after.