Key Facts
• July 28: LDP meeting held to discuss election defeat and leadership issues.
• 64 participants spoke during the 4.5-hour meeting; Ishiba reaffirmed intent to stay.
• Over 300 eligible attendees, but only around 150 were present, leaving many empty seats.
• Senior figures like Taro Aso initiated the ‘Ishiba Removal’ but faced lukewarm support.
• Key proponents, including Toshimitsu Motegi and Koichi Hagiuda, attended but did not speak.
• Prominent absentees included Yasutoshi Nishimura and Sanae Takaichi.
• Public opinion: 47% opposed Ishiba’s resignation, with 70% support among LDP voters.
• Cabinet approval rose by 5 points to 29%, with Ishiba leading as the preferred next PM.
• A potential general meeting with voting rights may follow to address leadership.
• July 25: A rare pro-Ishiba rally, ‘#Don’t Quit Ishiba,’ drew 500 participants near the PM’s office.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) July 28 meeting, aimed at addressing the party’s recent election defeat, saw the ‘Ishiba Removal’ movement falter. Despite 64 participants speaking over 4.5 hours, Prime Minister Ishiba strengthened his resolve to stay in office. The meeting was marked by low attendance, with only about 150 of over 300 eligible members present. Senior proponents of the movement, such as Toshimitsu Motegi and Koichi Hagiuda, refrained from speaking, while others like Yasutoshi Nishimura and Sanae Takaichi were absent. Public opinion surveys showed 47% opposing Ishiba’s resignation, with 70% support among LDP voters. Cabinet approval ratings also rose by 5 points to 29%. A rare pro-Ishiba rally on July 25 further highlighted public backing. The lack of a clear successor and internal divisions have hindered the movement, leaving the LDP’s power struggle unresolved.
