Key Facts
• July 25: Protest held outside Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo.
• 1,200 attendees reported by organizers, opposing calls for Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation.
• Protesters carried signs like “It’s not Ishiba’s fault” and “Go Ishiba!”
• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces internal pressure after Upper House election defeat.
• LDP members gathered signatures to demand a General Assembly instead of a discussion meeting.
• Protesters expressed concerns over Sanae Takaichi potentially becoming Prime Minister.
• Some attendees were non-LDP supporters, citing fears of political chaos under Takaichi.
• Ishiba expressed intent to continue as Prime Minister during a speech in Karuizawa.
• Protesters criticized LDP’s scapegoating of Ishiba for election losses.
• Many attendees opposed a return to right-wing politics or alliances with fringe parties.
Summary
On July 25, a protest against Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation as Prime Minister drew 1,200 participants outside Tokyo’s Prime Minister’s Office. The demonstration opposed growing internal pressure within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to hold Ishiba accountable for the party’s defeat in the Upper House elections. Protesters, including non-LDP supporters, voiced concerns over Sanae Takaichi’s potential leadership and alliances with fringe parties, fearing political instability. Ishiba, while addressing a crowd in Karuizawa, reaffirmed his commitment to remain in office. Despite the support shown at the protest, Ishiba faces significant challenges within his party, as calls for his resignation intensify.
