Tokyo, Sept 27: Shigeru Ishiba, a seasoned lawmaker, is poised to become Japan’s next prime minister after winning a fiercely contested leadership race within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on September 27. This victory comes after four previous unsuccessful attempts.
Ishiba prevailed in a run-off against hardline nationalist Sanae Takaichi, closing one of the most unpredictable leadership contests in recent decades, which saw a record nine candidates. As the leader of the LDP, Ishiba’s position effectively guarantees his appointment as Japan’s premier due to the party’s parliamentary majority.
The leadership race was triggered by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s resignation in August, prompted by scandals that significantly damaged the LDP’s public support. Ishiba now faces the task of tackling domestic issues such as rising living costs and navigating the region’s tense security environment, characterized by China’s assertiveness and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Before the final vote, Ishiba expressed a commitment to creating a fairer and kinder Japan, becoming emotional as the results were revealed. Known for his controversial views and previous leadership failures, Ishiba has pledged this will be his final attempt at the position.
He supports progressive policies, such as allowing married couples to have separate surnames, a stance opposed by conservative LDP members. His leadership bid succeeds at a time when the LDP is dealing with internal turmoil and a decline in public support due to various scandals.
A former defense and agriculture minister who began his parliamentary career in 1986, Ishiba has promised to move some ministries and government agencies out of Tokyo to rejuvenate Japan’s regions and to establish a new agency for emergency shelter construction in disaster-prone areas.
