TOKYO - The Liberal Democratic Party held a joint meeting of both houses on Tuesday to review its crushing defeat in the Upper House election, where it was revealed that all three top executives, including Secretary-General Moriyama, intend to resign.
How Prime Minister Ishiba will respond to these resignations is now a central question.
Returning to the Prime Minister’s Office shortly before 5:30 p.m. after the meeting, Ishiba told reporters: "I will make a judgment on responsibility at the appropriate time, but for now, I will devote myself fully to what the people expect me to do."
Earlier in the afternoon, Ishiba entered the meeting hall with his right hand raised. Before the report on the election defeat was delivered, he opened with repeated words of apology.
Ishiba said: "What I failed to achieve is entirely my responsibility. The fact that we lost many comrades is solely my responsibility. I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies. I am truly sorry." He repeated the phrase "my responsibility" four times, and went on to declare: "I have no attachment to my position. I have no intention of clinging to it. I will make the proper decision at the appropriate time."
After the initial press cameras were ushered out, Moriyama, the party’s number two, announced his intention to resign. Policy Research Council Chairman Onodera also told reporters he had conveyed his resignation to the Prime Minister, while General Council Chairman Suzuki likewise expressed his intent to step down.
This wave of resignations created what observers called a "domino effect" within the party leadership, coinciding with the election review.
Meanwhile, the official report presented behind closed doors at the meeting did not directly address the responsibility of Ishiba or the leadership. Instead, it concluded with the pledge: "We will embark on a rebuilding effort akin to the rebirth of the party itself, and transform into a true national political party."
Some lawmakers welcomed the tone. LDP Upper House member Katayama said: "I thought the report was relatively balanced. Many lawmakers also appreciated the Prime Minister’s statement that he would not cling to his position and would decide at the appropriate time."
But others raised concerns. Former Minister for Economic Security Kobayashi said: "How do we reconcile his remarks with his past statements that election results must not be taken lightly? If there is no change in how he intends to take responsibility, I am prepared to sign a petition calling for an early leadership election."
With the resignation domino shaking the party, speculation is growing over whether this will fuel efforts to push Ishiba out. On the evening of September 2nd, party lawmakers were formally informed that a decision would be made on Monday, September 8th, regarding whether to bring forward the leadership election.
Source: FNN
