The new LDP leader Ishiba wants to dissolve the lower house after debate with the opposition

S/ Ishiba Shigeru, new President of the Liberal Democratic Party: I would like to seek a verdict (in a general election) after engaging in a debate with the opposition. However, I must also strive for a timely decision and would like to determine the appropriate time for (the dissolution of the House of Commons).

Regarding the dissolution of the House of Representatives, there were discussions within the LDP about holding parliamentary elections as early as October 27th without conducting substantive discussions in committees such as the Budget Committee after the formation of the new government.

Ishiba expressed the view that he would like to have detailed discussions in the Budget Committee before dissolution.

If the Budget Committee meetings were to take place, the election would most likely be postponed until after November.

Ishiba also said that on the issue of whether he will approve candidates related to so-called “slush funds”, he will conduct appropriate discussions and fulfill his responsibility to ensure that they are suitable for support.

Asked whether he would appoint Takaichi or Koizumi, with whom he was competing in the leadership election, he said personnel issues were still unresolved.

Ishiba stressed that the appointments were being made to maximize capacity, but did not provide further details.