The paralysis of Japan’s government, caused by the loss of its legislative majorities, has claimed its highest-ranking casualty: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Unable to effectively govern, Ishiba has announced his resignation, ending his short and frustrating tenure.
The turning point for Ishiba came with the election results. After losing control of the powerful lower house last October, his coalition met the same fate in the upper house this July. Without a majority in either chamber, the government has been forced into constant negotiations with opposition parties, stalling its agenda and highlighting its weakness.
This legislative impotence fueled a rebellion within the ruling LDP, with influential members seeing Ishiba as incapable of leading. To head off a formal challenge and prevent a party split, Ishiba has chosen to step down, accepting blame for the political stalemate.
The LDP now faces a difficult choice in its October leadership election. The next prime minister will inherit a divided parliament and a public weary of political instability. Their success will depend on their ability to build consensus not just within their own party, but across the aisle.