Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida to step sown

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided not to seek reelection as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and consequently will resign as the Prime Minister of Japan, Reuters reported. Japanese media reported that government officials leaked information about Kishida’s intention to step down overnight. ‘I will continue to do my best as prime minister until my term ends in September,’ he confirmed during the press conference. The LDP has largely maintained government power since World War II. Kishida’s decision prompts the party to find a new leader, likely the next leader of Japan. Recently, Japan lost its position as the world’s third-largest economy to Germany. Kishida’s support within the LDP has diminished recently, especially as the party is being investigated in scandal involving undeclared financial contributions from a fund. His successor will face challenges such as Japan’s contracting economy, increasing pressures from China, and potential political changes in the United States.