TOKYO: Japan's incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has confirmed that a snap election will take place on October 27. This announcement comes just a month after Ishiba won the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He is set to officially replace Fumio Kishida as prime minister on Tuesday.
So far, Ishiba has appointed Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and Yoshimasa Hayashi will continue as chief cabinet secretary, a crucial role that also acts as the government’s spokesperson. Additionally, Takeshi Iwaya, a close ally of Ishiba and former defence chief, will be the new foreign minister. Gen Nakatani is returning to the defence ministry, and Yoji Muto, a former junior minister, will lead the economy, trade, and industry ministry.
Notably absent from these appointments is Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative and Ishiba's closest rival, who was defeated by just 21 votes in the recent leadership election. Takaichi’s lack of a position could complicate Ishiba’s efforts to unify the ruling party, which has been struggling with scandals and declining public support. Political science professor Hiroshi Shiratori from Hosei University commented that Takaichi’s reported refusal of a position could indicate weaknesses in Ishiba’s support network.
During a televised interview on Sunday, Ishiba did not reveal specific cabinet appointments but hinted at the possibility of a general election in October. A poll is required to be held within the next 13 months. Ishiba has also chosen Shinjiro Koizumi, who has called for the snap election, to lead his election campaign. Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who endorsed Koizumi, will serve as the party's vice president.
At 67 years old, Ishiba finally secured the LDP leadership on his fifth attempt, earning strong backing from party members. However, he is viewed as somewhat of a disruptor among parliamentary colleagues for often challenging party policies. Before the runoff election against Takaichi, he apologized to LDP lawmakers for his “shortcomings.”
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