Key Facts
• August 20: Moriyama confirmed as Kagoshima Prefecture Federation Chair.
• July 4: Moriyama expressed intent to resign after election loss in Kagoshima.
• July 28: Moriyama hinted at resignation pending election review report.
• Report expected next week; resignation could trigger leadership changes.
• Moriyama’s role critical in managing party operations and opposition relations.
• October 2024: LDP and Komeito became minority coalition; Moriyama ensured smooth parliament operations.
• Key party leaders, including Kiihara and Onodera, may resign if Moriyama steps down.
• Leadership void could weaken Prime Minister Ishiba’s authority.
• Moriyama consulted former PMs Aso, Suga, and Kishida on his future.
• Internal doubts persist about alignment between Moriyama and Ishiba.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces uncertainty as attention centers on Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama’s potential resignation. Moriyama, pivotal in managing party operations and opposition relations, has hinted at stepping down following the July election loss in Kagoshima. His departure could lead to a domino effect, with other senior leaders, including Kiihara and Onodera, also resigning. This would significantly weaken Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration, potentially influencing the timing of his resignation. Despite Moriyama’s efforts to support the administration and consult former prime ministers, internal doubts remain about his alignment with Ishiba. The upcoming election review report will likely determine Moriyama’s decision, with significant implications for the LDP’s leadership and stability.
