Shigeru Ishiba to Become Japan’s New Prime Minister, Calls Election for October 27

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s next prime minister, calls a general election for October 27 after winning a close leadership race for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Shigeru Ishiba, the incoming prime minister of Japan, has called for a general election on October 27. This follows his recent victory in one of the closest leadership elections ever held by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). 

The election will take place a year ahead of schedule, just before the U.S. presidential election in November. It will decide which party will control the lower house of Japan's parliament.

The members of parliament (MPs) will gather on Tuesday to formally appoint Shigeru Ishiba as the country's next prime minister. 

In his speech at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Ishiba said, "It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible." He emphasized the need for early elections to secure public support for his leadership.

Ishiba Begins Selecting Key Government Officials

After his win, Ishiba started selecting government and party officials to run the general election with him. These appointments include some of his former rivals from the leadership race. 

Katsunobu Kato, one of the candidates he defeated, will become the finance minister. Another rival, Yoshimasa Hayashi, will continue as chief cabinet secretary. This position is critical, as it involves being the top government spokesperson.

A close ally of Ishiba, Takeshi Iwaya, will take over as the foreign minister. Iwaya is a former defense chief, making him well-suited for the role. 

Gen Nakatani, who held the defense minister position in 2016, will return to the same post. Additionally, Yoji Muto, a former junior minister, will lead the ministry of economy, trade, and industry.

[Japan’s Defence Minister, Gen Nakatani, has stood by the actions of the SDF. PHOTO: REUTERS]

However, one key figure missing from Ishiba’s team is Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi is a hardline conservative who narrowly lost to Ishiba in the leadership race, with a final vote of 215 to 194. 

[Japanese lawmaker Sanae Takaichi speaks at a news conference, announcing her candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). REUTERS]

Her absence from the new government could present challenges for Ishiba. Without her, he may struggle to keep unity within the ruling group, which has been troubled by scandals and declining public support.

Despite this, Ishiba chose another former rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, as his election campaign chief. Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, a strong supporter of Koizumi, has been named the new vice president of the party. Both men joined Ishiba at his press conference on Monday.

At 67 years old, Shigeru Ishiba finally secured victory in the LDP leadership race on his fifth attempt. 

He gained strong support from rank-and-file party members, but some of his colleagues in parliament see him as a bit of a troublemaker due to his tendency to oppose the party’s policies. 

Before the final vote against Takaichi on Friday, Ishiba even apologized to his fellow LDP MPs for his "shortcomings."

Now, Ishiba is preparing to lead Japan into a general election, hoping to strengthen his new administration with a clear mandate from the people.

 

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