Japan: Shigeru Ishiba to Become New Prime Minister
The 67-year-old former defense minister became the new LDP leader and prime minister-designate
Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister and political expert, won the runoff election and became the new leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In his fifth bid to lead the party, which has governed the country almost continuously since 1955, Ishiba, 67, defeated Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi by 215 votes to 194.
The election will also bring Ishiba a nomination for prime minister, given that the LDP controls both houses of Japan’s parliament. He will thus succeed Fumio Kishida, who resigned after recent scandals involving political funds, and will be appointed on October 1.
In one of the Liberal Democrats’ most uncertain internal elections ever, there were nine candidates. Among the favorites, in addition to those who made it past the final ballot, was the name of 43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Ishiba is considered a veteran of Japanese politics and is critical of the relationship between Japan and the United States, which he considers asymmetrical, and believes Tokyo should reduce its dependence on its ally for defense. During the party leadership election campaign, he also talked about the need for an “Asian NATO.”
Among the reasons for friction with the US is also the issue of Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel, which was announced but never finalized. Ishiba explained to Reuters that Japan was unfairly recognized that time as a threat to US national security. He is a strong advocate of renewable energy development and criticizes nuclear power.
“I will do everything I can to boldly speak the truth and make this country a safe place where everyone can live with a smile again,” he explained after his victory.
