FT News Briefing Political instability jolts Japan
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Sep 8, 2025 Japan faces political upheaval as its prime minister resigns after just a year, leaving a new leader to tackle internal divisions. Meanwhile, France teeters on the brink of government collapse. In international developments, China plans to open its bond market to Russian companies, raising eyebrows. On the labor front, the U.S. reports a meager 22,000 jobs added, complicating the Federal Reserve's approach to interest rates amid ongoing inflation concerns. Investors are adapting to shifting economic conditions, even considering unconventional options like whiskey.
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France Political Crisis Risks Far-Right Gain
- France's minority government faces likely ouster after attempts to cut debt sparked backlash.
- Political collapse could strengthen the far right and leave Macron scrambling for stability and a new prime minister.
Ishiba Steps Down Before Party Vote
- Shigeru Ishiba resigned ahead of an internal LDP vote that would have forced him out.
- He stepped down after losing two elections and on advice from close confidants to avoid a formal no-confidence within the party.
LDP Needs A Unifying New Leader
- The LDP must pick a leader who can unify diverse centre-right to right factions and counter rising populist parties.
- Potential frontrunners include Sanae Takaichi and Shinjirō Koizumi, but the contest will be lively and unpredictable.