自民党じみんとう 臨時りんじ総裁そうさい選せんの実施じっし 8日ようかの決定けっていを前まえに石破いしば首相しゅしょう会談かいだん 重かさねる

Before it is decided on the 8th whether an extraordinary presidential election will be held by the Liberal Democratic Party, Prime Minister Ishiba met on the 6th with Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa, who is close to him.

On the other hand, on the night of the 6th, he is believed to have held talks with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi for about two hours, during which they discussed how to strengthen party unity and other related matters.

Regarding the Liberal Democratic Partys extraordinary presidential election, the lawmakers requesting its implementation will submit a written request at the party headquarters on the 8th, and on the same day, a tally will be conducted together with representatives from the prefectural chapters to decide whether or not to hold the election.

Prime Minister Ishiba held talks with Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa, who returned from Washington on the evening of the 6th.

Since Minister Akazawa is a close aide to Prime Minister Ishiba, it is believed that they exchanged opinions on matters such as the situation within the party.

After that, on the night of the 6th, Deputy President Suga and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi, both elected from Kanagawa Prefecture, visited Prime Minister Ishiba at the Prime Ministers official residence.

Minister Koizumi stayed and had a meeting for about two hours even after Mr. Suga left.

It is believed that they discussed matters such as how to strengthen party unity, as Minister Koizumi has emphasized the importance of party solidarity.

There are opinions both for and against holding the party leadership election, with voices from within the party expressing both support and opposition.

Kanda, the Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, clearly stated that he would submit a written request for implementation, adding, With the party presidential election as a turning point, we must create a system that can advance policies for the people.

It is important to show the party coming together as one, he said.

Senator Muneo Suzuki, who supports Prime Minister Ishibas continuation in office, said, The public has the impression that the LDP remains the same old party.

Prime Minister Ishiba stated, He should seek a mandate from the people rather than from LDP members, and reiterated his view that if the decision is made to hold an election, the House of Representatives should be dissolved.

On the other hand, by the 6th, 18 prefectural chapters, including those in Tokyo and Osaka, had decided to call for implementation, while the chapters in Yamagata and Niigata were working to consolidate opinions in the direction of calling for implementation.

In response, eight prefectural branches, including Kagoshima and Okinawa, have decided not to request implementation, and the Tokushima prefectural branch is also consolidating opinions toward not requesting implementation.