Populist Rise and LDP Woes: The Backdrop to Ishiba’s Resignation

The resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba comes against a backdrop of rising populism and deep-seated problems within his own Liberal Democratic Party. His departure is a symptom of a broader political malaise affecting the nation.
Ishiba’s government has been battling on multiple fronts. Beyond the disastrous election results that cost the LDP its majorities, it has faced growing public unease over migration and the cost of living. This has fueled support for populist parties like Sanseitō, chipping away at the LDP’s traditional base.
Internally, the LDP has been rocked by a funding scandal and plagued by factional infighting. Ishiba, a centrist, was unable to unite the party or inspire public confidence, leading to his approval rating collapsing and his rivals making their move to oust him.
His successor will inherit these complex challenges. They must not only win the leadership but also devise a strategy to counter the populist threat, clean up the party’s image, and address the economic anxieties of ordinary Japanese citizens.