Here's what's next in Japan with Kishida bowing out as party leader and prime minister next month
Japan’s embattled Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has surprised the country by announcing that he’ll step down when his party picks a new leader next month
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Published - Aug 14, 2024, 11:04 PM ET
Last Updated - Aug 14, 2024, 11:04 PM EDT
TOKYO (AP) — Japan's embattled Prime Minister Fumio Kishida surprised the country Wednesday by announcing that he'll step down when his party picks a new leader next month.
His decision clears the way for his governing Liberal Democratic Party to choose a new standard bearer in its leadership election next month. The winner of that election will replace Kishida as both party chief and prime minister.
A new leader could help the party shake off scandals that have dogged Kishida's government, and some see a chance for the country to select its first female prime minister.
Here's a look at how the new leader will be chosen, and what it could mean.
