Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba steps down from his position

In a surprising turn of events, Shigeru Ishiba has resigned as the leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This decision, announced one day before the party was set to decide on holding an early leadership election, has added to the instability of the Japanese government.

The LDP's failure to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house in a July parliamentary election further shook the stability of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government. Earlier, in an election for the lower house, the party-led coalition also lost a majority.

The divisions within the Liberal Democratic Party pose a barrier to Prime Minister Ishiba's policy plans. If he had remained as leader, he would have faced challenges in managing a divided party.

The upcoming leadership election, if it confirms an early election, could bring about a change in the management of the minority government. The candidate proposed by Shigeru Ishiba as party leader, in case of an early leadership election, is Katsunobu Katō.

The party's decision on Monday, if related to Shigeru Ishiba's resignation, would likely confirm an early leadership election. However, if not related to his resignation, the decision could potentially affect the timing, direction, and stability of the minority government. It could also impact the management of the minority government.

The instability caused by the election losses and internal party divisions may impact the implementation of Prime Minister Ishiba's policies. The proposed early leadership election can be seen as a virtual no-confidence motion against Shigeru Ishiba.

Shigeru Ishiba stated that he would initiate a process to hold a party leadership vote to choose his replacement. His resignation leaves a vacancy in the leadership of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party.

The failures in both elections have added to the instability of the Japanese government. The upcoming leadership election will be crucial in determining the direction and stability of the government in the coming months.