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LDP lawmakers to discuss Upper House election loss

LDP lawmakers to discuss Upper House election loss

NHK20 hours ago
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to hold a meeting of all its lawmakers to discuss its defeat in the recent Upper House election. Observers say Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru may face calls to step down.
LDP lawmakers from both houses of the Diet can attend the meeting that begins at 3:30 p.m. on Monday at the party's headquarters in Tokyo.
Earlier, in an interview with NHK, Ishiba vowed to remain in office to continue running the government. He said that if he only thinks about himself, he could make various judgments, but as the top administrative leader he has to contain such thoughts.
He stressed that he will work for the sake of the people and the future of Japan without any personal interests getting in the way.
During the two-hour meeting, Ishiba plans to explain his intention to steadily implement an agreement with the United States on trade and tariffs.
He is also expected to seek the understanding of LDP members to continue as the party's leader, stressing that a political vacuum must be avoided amid a mountain of issues at home and abroad.
LDP executives will also announce that a new organization will be established next month to analyze the causes of the election loss.
Ishiba's stance has met with a backlash from lawmakers who are distancing themselves from the prime minister, including those in the now-defunct faction led by late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
They are strongly urging the prime minister to take responsibility for the party's defeats in the Upper House race, last month's Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections and last year's Lower House race.
Calls for Ishiba and the party's leadership team to step down are expected to intensify at the meeting.
There is a possibility that some members will call for the party to officially hold Ishiba and his leadership team accountable. They could also push for the LDP's leadership election to be brought forward.
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