Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Wednesday that he will step down after the rulingLiberal Democratic Party selects a new chief next month, “taking responsibility” for an enduring political funding scandal that has engulfed it for months.
The president of the party serves as prime minister when itholds a parliamentary majority. Speaking at a surprise news conference, Kishidasaid that he will not seek reelection as party presidentin a votescheduled for next month.
