Japan PM Kishida to exit party leadership race

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he won’t seek re-election as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, effectively ending his premiership after nearly three years. This decision comes amid low approval ratings, economic challenges, and a party funding scandal. Kishida cited the need for party renewal and transparent elections. The LDP will hold a leadership contest next month to choose a new leader, who will likely become the next prime minister of Japan. AFP