Japan PM Kishida to Step Down

Tokyo, 14 Aug (ONA) —- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Wednesday morning his intention to step down from his position, and that he will not run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) presidential race next month.

"As a first step to impress on the public that the LDP has changed, I have decided not to run in the presidential race," Kishida said at a press conference, Japan's news agency (Kyodo) reported.

Kishida's decision came after his popularity plummeted due to questions about political funding that have affected some branches of the party.

So far, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is popular with the public, has expressed his intention to run in the LDP presidential election. Digital Minister Taro Kono also intends to run in the presidential race.

LDP Secretary General Toshimitu Motegi, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi are also among those who may join the race.

—- Ends/Khalid