Ishiba Addresses Meeting with Former Prime Ministers After Election Setback

On July 23, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the media following a meeting with three former prime ministers. The meeting took place at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters. Ishiba stated that the discussion did not involve his potential resignation or continued tenure in office.

The meeting involved Ishiba, who also serves as the president of the LDP, and former prime ministers Taro Aso, Yoshihide Suga, and Fumio Kishida. The gathering lasted approximately one hour and twenty minutes. The primary focus of the discussion was believed to be the LDP's strategy moving forward after the party's disappointing results in the July 20 House of Councillors election.

Ishiba described the atmosphere of the meeting as one of shared concern. He emphasized the importance of party unity. He specifically denied reports suggesting he had discussed his own position, clarifying that such matters were not addressed during the meeting.