Japanese Premier Ishiba decides to step down following election defeat: State media

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba decided to step down following his ruling coalition's loss in the upper house election, the public broadcaster NHK reported Sunday.

Ishiba has faced criticism from within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) following its defeat in the Upper House election on July 20.

On Tuesday, during a joint plenary meeting of lawmakers from both houses of parliament, Ishiba apologized for the election result.

"It is my responsibility as president of the LDP, and I cannot evade that," said Ishiba, adding that he has "no intention to cling to" his post and will "make a proper decision at the appropriate time."

Following his election defeat, Ishiba previously rejected multiple calls from within his party to step down, signaling his intention to stay in office.

Ishiba, who became the prime minister last October, had vowed to address inflation and push for party reforms. The LDP has been mired in a string of political fundraising scandals.

Not long after he assumed office, the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the Lower House election, and in July, the coalition also failed to secure a majority in the Upper House.

With mounting pressure on Ishiba to take responsibility for the setback, the LDP was expected to decide Monday whether to hold an emergency leadership race.