Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, listens to Hiroshi Moriyama, the Liberal Democratic Party’s secretary-general, speak at the party’s joint plenary meeting of party members of both the upper and lower houses, held at the party’s headquarters in Tokyo, on Sept. 2. (Minako Yoshimoto)

Although Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to remain as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party president for now, four of the party's top executives announced their intention to step down. 

LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama, Itsunori Onodera, chairman of the Policy Research Council, Shunichi Suzuki, chairman of the General Council, and Seiji Kihara, chairman of the Election Strategy Committee, announced their intention to resign on Sept. 2. 

The ruling LDP held its joint plenary meeting of party members of both the upper and lower houses of the Diet at the party’s headquarters in Tokyo that day.

The findings of the investigation into the reasons for the party's crushing defeat in the Upper House election on July 20 were reported at the meeting.

Ishiba bowed at the start of the meeting and said, “(The party) failed to win seats and lost many comrades. That is my responsibility as the party leader.”

He further remarked, “In a way, I lost what made myself Ishiba. I faced harsh criticism that it was unclear what I wanted to achieve (as the prime minister), and this led to losing many comrades.”

Regarding his own future, Ishiba said, “I am not someone who clings to a position. I have absolutely no intention of hanging on. I want to demonstrate a sincere and wholehearted commitment in facing (challenges) for the sake of the people.”

He said, “As for the LDP, we will chart a path forward. That is my responsibility, and I will fulfill it without shirking accountability, and make a proper decision at the appropriate time.”

However, he did not provide specific details about what he meant by the “appropriate time.”

However, at least four of Ishiba’s closest allies came to a different conclusion.

After the meeting, which lasted about three hours, Moriyama held a news conference and said, “I wish to step down from the secretary-general post to take responsibility for the election results.”

He said he would formally submit his resignation letter to Ishiba and leave the decision to accept it to him, who holds the appointing authority.

Asked what he would do if Ishiba urges him to stay on, Moriyama declined to comment, saying, “It is unacceptable to answer questions based on speculation, especially regarding personnel matters.”

Onodera told reporters, “I just informed (Ishiba) that I wish to resign from my position as policy chief,” expressing his intention to step down.

Onodera said there had been no response from Ishiba.

Suzuki also told Ishiba after the meeting that he intends to resign from his post, according to a party official.

In addition, Kihara also told Ishiba his intention to resign, according to a top LDP official. 

 

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