Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba resigns

In a surprising turn of events, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation, following the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) loss of its majority in the House of Councillors in July.

Voter dissatisfaction, particularly with rising prices and immigration policy, contributed to the LDP's election defeat. The right-wing populist Sanseito party benefited from the LDP's loss, as they are openly anti-foreigner.

Ishiba, who leads the LDP in coalition with its junior partner Komeito, will fulfill his duties until a new LDP president is elected. In his statement, Ishiba expressed that his resignation was intended to prevent a split within the LDP.

The LDP has been criticized for shifting too far to the left, and some members want to move further to the right and return to the way the party was before. On the other hand, others prefer a centrist approach to better cooperate with other parties. This significant conflict is brewing within the LDP over party reform.

The LDP's election analysis highlights the loss of conservative voter segments, which could impact the election of the next prime minister. Ishiba, considered more liberal, may have a bearing on this election.

According to Professor Axel Klein, a political science professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, the LDP may make greater concessions to an opposition party and expand the government coalition to three parties, or continue to operate as a minority government. However, the search results do not provide the name of a possible opposition candidate with whom the LDP might form a coalition.

The divided opposition is unlikely to agree on a common candidate, which could complicate the formation of a new government. The coalition of the LDP and Komeito may be able to bring one of the opposition parties on board.

The next LDP president is expected to still be elected as prime minister in parliament. The race for the position is expected to be intense, with the party's internal divisions coming to the fore. The outcome of this election could shape the future direction of Japanese politics.