- Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided to resign, according to local media.
- It comes less than two months after his party suffered a significant defeat in the country's upper house election.
- His decision follows intense pressure from the right-wing faction of his own party and public discontent over the rising cost of living and economic stagnation.
- Mr Ishiba reportedly intends to step down to maintain party unity, ahead of a scheduled meeting to decide on a special leadership election, which was effectively a no-confidence vote.
- Having been in power for less than a year, Mr Ishiba struggled with leadership confidence, taking office amidst a political slush funds scandal and facing the threat of US tariffs on the Japanese economy.
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