Reference News Network, July 22 report: According to Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on July 22, Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Ishiba Shigeru has indicated his intention to remain in office, while calls within the LDP for his resignation are spreading. LDP senior officials are highly vigilant, and to prevent this trend from evolving into a real "overthrow Ishiba" movement, they are exerting restraint by citing the need to avoid a political vacuum. However, voices of severe criticism against Ishiba are emerging, with many people believing that if he clings to power, it will further lead to a loss of supporters.

In the previous LDP presidential election, Japan's former Minister for Economic Security, Kobayashi Tatsuya, had competed against Ishiba. Kobayashi stated to a press group on the 21st in Hachioji City, Chiba Prefecture: "The LDP suffered heavy defeats in both elections (including the recent House of Representatives election). I hope Ishiba, as the leader of the LDP, recognizes his major responsibility."

The report states that with the ruling party becoming a minority in both the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives, Ishiba's indication of continuing to remain in office has led to criticism within the LDP, with expressions such as "too disgraceful" and "greedy for power" being frequently heard. On the 21st, the LDP's top advisor, MAHARASHI TARO, and former secretary general, SHIGEMITSU SHIGEYUKI, held a meeting in Tokyo, both agreeing: "If no one takes responsibility, the LDP will face more criticism." Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Fumio, who participated in the LDP presidential election last year, convened a meeting on the evening of the 21st at a parliamentary residence in Akasaka, Tokyo, with close allies (such as the LDP Policy Research Council Chairman, Onodera Itsuki) to exchange views on the current state of the LDP.

Nevertheless, an open "overthrow Ishiba" movement has not yet formed a large-scale wave. The reason is that there is a general desire within the party to avoid criticizing the government during a period when the LDP as a whole is in difficulty, to prevent being seen as a quarrel-ridden internal struggle. Additionally, some people are also resistant to movements that might hinder the Japan-US tariff negotiations.

Some opinions suggest that Ishiba's government operation will be unsustainable. On the other hand, there are also subtle voices expressing "not wanting to take the lead."

Despite this, there is a strong sense of crisis within the LDP, fearing that "if this continues, the public will abandon us." There have been past instances where the LDP has demanded the resignation of the prime minister. Examples include the Mori Yoshiro Cabinet in 2001 and the Abe Cabinet in 2009. The LDP charter stipulates that the presidential election can be initiated early if a majority of members of the Diet and local organizations sign a petition. A former ministerial official pointed out: "If the prime minister insists on remaining in office, this provision should be used." (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7529833822687396404/

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