石破いしば首相しゅしょう 続投ぞくとうに理解りかい求もとめるも党内とうないの亀裂きれつ より深ふかまる状況じょうきょうに

Following the defeat in the House of Councillors election, Prime Minister Ishiba stated at the Liberal Democratic Partys joint meeting of both houses held on the 28th, I want to fulfill my responsibilities, seeking understanding for his continuation in office.

On the other hand, there have been a series of opinions from attendees calling for Prime Minister Ishibas resignation and for the party leadership election to be held earlier, deepening divisions within the party.

In response to their defeat in the House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party held a joint meeting of both houses on the 28th, which lasted four and a half hours, exceeding the scheduled two hours.

Prime Minister Ishiba said, I want to do my utmost to ensure the steady implementation of the tariff negotiation agreement with the United States and leave no stone unturned.

We must continue to closely watch future agricultural policies as well as the state of social security and taxation, and I want to fulfill my responsibility to ensure that there is never a political vacuum for the nation and its people, he said, seeking understanding for his continuation in office.

Also, Secretary-General Moriyama indicated that he would clarify his own responsibility once the review of the election is completed.

At the meeting, more than 60 out of approximately 240 attendees spoke. While there were some opinions accepting the continuation in office, many voiced that going against the will of the people expressed in the election and continuing in office would create a political vacuum. There were repeated calls for Prime Minister Ishiba to resign after a review, as well as demands to hold the party leadership election ahead of schedule.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, There were various opinions, and I would like to make an appropriate decision in the future, taking these into careful consideration. At the same time, he said, I will fulfill my responsibilities, once again indicating his intention to remain in office.

Also, taking into account that a signature campaign is underway, mainly among mid-career and younger lawmakers, demanding the convening of a joint plenary meeting of both houses—the partys decision-making body—the party leadership plans to discuss at the executive board meeting on the 29th whether to comply with the request and hold the meeting.

Amid ongoing moves to increase pressure on Prime Minister Ishiba to resign through the holding of a general meeting, divisions within the party are deepening.