Moriyama: LDP will hold plenary meeting in coming days

Moriyama: LDP will hold plenary meeting in coming days

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to convene a plenary meeting in the coming days, following mounting pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign after the party's recent election defeat in the Upper House. The meeting, which will involve lawmakers from both houses of the Diet, aims to address the political vacuum that has emerged following the election results.

Prime Minister Ishiba has reiterated his intention to stay in office, stating that he will make an appropriate decision based on the input of party lawmakers [1]. Despite his resolve, the LDP faces an internal struggle, with some lawmakers calling for his resignation and others supporting his continued leadership [1].

The LDP's Secretary-General, Hiroshi Moriyama, has stated that he will finalize his decision on whether Ishiba should remain in office by the end of August, following an internal review of the party's election performance [2]. This review comes amidst growing calls for a leadership election, with signatures from a third of party lawmakers required to demand such a gathering [2].

The meeting is scheduled to take place on the last day of the six-year terms of half of the upper house's members, adding to the urgency of the situation. With the LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, already having lost their majority in the House of Representatives, the party faces the challenge of navigating the political landscape without a clear leadership structure.

The public's opinion on Ishiba's resignation is divided, with a recent Kyodo News poll showing 51.6% in favor of his resignation and 45.8% against it [2]. This indicates a split in public opinion, which may influence the outcome of the plenary meeting.

The LDP's internal confusion and wrangling have been brought to the forefront, with potential candidates for Ishiba's replacement, such as Sanae Takaichi, already making moves to position themselves [2]. The rising cost of living and lackluster wage growth have also been significant factors in the election, with the LDP's promise of cash handouts and the opposition's calls for tax reductions playing a role in the public's decision-making process.

As the LDP prepares to hold its plenary meeting, the political landscape in Japan remains uncertain. The outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the LDP and its ability to navigate the challenges it faces.

References:
[1] https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250728_11/
[2] https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Japan-PM-Ishiba-vows-to-stay-on-seeks-support-at-ruling-party-meeting