Criticism of Japan PM Ishiba mounts as allies join calls for snap LDP race

Criticism grew Saturday of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, even from his allies, as he vowed to stay on despite a crushing setback in July's national election, raising the likelihood of his Liberal Democratic Party holding a snap leadership race.A deputy of Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, a close ally of Ishiba, said on social media that she will submit a document urging the LDP presidential election committee to hold a leadership race before the scheduled 2027 vote.Eri Arfiya, parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs, wrote, "I have given this matter careful consideration, taking int…READ FULL ARTICLE