Overview

• Kishida spoke in Tokyo on September 10, saying the party must be ready to consider coalition expansion or issue-by-issue alliances once a new LDP leader is chosen.
• He argued the ruling bloc’s minority position has made political decision-making difficult and described the situation as serious.
• He emphasized that rebuilding the LDP and setting its direction through the presidential race should precede any coalition talks.
• He said potential partners would be more willing to cooperate only if the LDP first clarifies its course and shows why teaming up would be meaningful.
• He reflected on July’s Upper House setback, saying the party failed to present distinctly LDP policies and was dragged into a tax cut versus cash handout debate.