Japan’s parliament elects Shigeru Ishiba, newly elected governing party leader, as prime minister

Japan’s parliament has formally elected Shigeru Ishiba, head of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, as the country’s new prime minister. Ishiba was chosen as the party’s leader on Friday to replace Fumio Kishida, who then stepped down earlier Tuesday to pave the way. Ishiba will announce his new Cabinet later on Tuesday. Kishida took office in 2021 but left so his party could have a fresh leader after his government was dogged by scandals. Ishiba plans to call a parliamentary election for Oct. 27.