The Prime Minister of Japan Resigns Unexpectedly .. Is the Ruling Party Divided?

In a surprising move aimed at containing the crisis within his party, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation from his position, according to Japan's NHK broadcasting corporation today, Sunday.

Government sources clarified that Ishiba will speak at a press conference at 6 PM local time (09:00 GMT) to explain the background of his decision, which comes at a sensitive time when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is experiencing rising internal tensions.

It is scheduled for party members to vote tomorrow, Monday, on whether to hold an extraordinary election to choose a new leader, according to Reuters, indicating a clear sign of internal division threatening the party's cohesion.

It is noted that the ruling coalition led by Ishiba lost its parliamentary majority in the elections for both houses of parliament, which took place since he took office last year, amid widespread public dissatisfaction due to rising living costs, which weakened voters' confidence in the government.

The resignation also came days after Ishiba's government announced the completion of a trade agreement with the United States, in an attempt to boost the domestic economy, but it apparently was not enough to contain the discontent within the party and among the Japanese public.

Ishiba's resignation opens the door to a new political phase in Japan, amid questions about the future of leadership within the Liberal Democratic Party and how to address the rising economic and social challenges.