Key Facts
• September 4, 2025: Kiyomi Tsujimoto, deputy leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, shared her views on X.
• Calls for an early leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are growing.
• Tsujimoto, a long-time associate of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, highlighted his limited options: resignation or dissolving the House of Representatives.
• Internal LDP power struggles have intensified, deepening divisions within the party.
• Tsujimoto criticized Ishiba’s leadership, describing him as a “naked prime minister.”
• She noted the lack of progress on key issues like gasoline tax cuts and inflation measures.
• Tsujimoto emphasized Ishiba’s responsibility to resolve the crisis as LDP president.
• If an early leadership election is confirmed, Ishiba’s choices remain resignation or dissolution.
• Tsujimoto’s comments reflect her personal perspective, despite her opposition party affiliation.
Summary
Kiyomi Tsujimoto, deputy leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, expressed her views on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s limited options amid growing calls for an early leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Tsujimoto, a long-time associate of Ishiba, criticized his leadership, describing him as a “naked prime minister” and highlighting his responsibility to address the deepening internal divisions within the LDP. She pointed out the lack of progress on key issues like inflation measures and gasoline tax cuts, attributing the crisis to Ishiba’s leadership. Tsujimoto concluded that Ishiba’s only viable options are resignation or dissolving the House of Representatives, particularly if an early leadership election is confirmed. Her remarks underline the political turmoil within the LDP and Ishiba’s precarious position as party president.
