Japan PM Will Not Run Again

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced he will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), effectively stepping down as PM when a new party leader is elected in September. Kishida, who has been in office since 2021, cited the need for the LDP to have a "new start" amid plummeting approval ratings, a corruption scandal involving the party, and economic challenges. His tenure saw significant diplomatic efforts, including strengthened ties with the US and improved relations with South Korea, as well as controversial decisions like expanding Japan's military budget. Kishida's departure comes as the LDP faces a "once-in-a-generation" political crisis, with the party struggling to clean up its image following a fundraising scandal and growing public mistrust. The announcement has shocked LDP leaders and set the stage for political flux in Japan as the country approaches its next general election in 2025.