Shigeru Ishiba poised to become Japan’s next Prime Minister
- In Reports
- 10:35 PM, Sep 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has selected former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader, positioning him to assume the role of prime minister in the coming week. With the LDP’s governing coalition holding a majority in parliament, the party leadership effectively serves as a direct pathway to Japan’s highest office.
Shigeru Ishiba, regarded as an expert in defence policy, achieved a surprising victory over Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative who had aspired to become Japan’s first female prime minister. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has maintained near-continuous control of the government since World War II, may have viewed Ishiba’s more centrist stance as essential for countering the liberal-leaning opposition. His leadership comes at a critical time for the LDP, as the party seeks to regain public trust following corruption scandals that diminished the popularity of outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Following the announcement of his victory, Shigeru Ishiba stood, waved, and bowed multiple times, expressing his gratitude. He vowed to “devote all my body and soul” to restoring public confidence in the government.
In a subsequent news conference, Ishiba committed to continuing the economic policies of his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, aimed at steering Japan out of deflation and fostering real wage growth. He also emphasised his focus on addressing key issues such as national defence, as well as Japan’s declining birthrate and shrinking population.
“I will achieve a society in which women and young people can have hope, hard-working people feel rewarded, and anyone can excel,” Ishiba said.
Ishiba is anticipated to call a general election within the coming weeks to leverage his recent victory, though the exact timing remains uncertain. He indicated that he would seek the public’s mandate at an appropriate moment after establishing his new administration.
Ishiba has proposed the creation of an Asian equivalent to the NATO military alliance, envisioning “an organic connection” between existing US-led defence frameworks such as the ANZUS alliance with Australia and New Zealand, as well as U.S. alliances with South Korea and the Philippines. “We must consider how to achieve peace and stability in this region,” he remarked.
He also advocated for a more balanced Japan-U.S. security partnership, suggesting that the establishment of Japanese Self Defence Forces training bases in the U.S. could strengthen this alliance, though he did not provide further details.
In addition to his defence initiatives, Ishiba is a vocal supporter of Taiwan’s democracy and has called for the creation of a disaster management agency in Japan, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
First elected to parliament in 1986, Ishiba has held several key positions, including defence minister, agriculture minister, and LDP secretary general under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Despite his extensive experience, he has long been regarded with caution by influential conservatives within the party. The 67-year-old former banker was competing in the party leadership race for the fifth time, declaring this would be his “final battle.”
A strong advocate on defence issues, Ishiba has unsettled some party leaders with his progressive stances on closing gender gaps and supporting the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
The leadership race saw a record nine candidates, including two women, vying for the position. The vote was decided by LDP members of parliament and roughly 1 million dues-paying party members, representing just 1% of Japan’s eligible voters.
Some experts suggest that the current turmoil within the party could lead Japan back to a period reminiscent of the early 2000s, characterised by frequent leadership changes and political instability. Such a succession of short-lived governments can undermine Japanese prime ministers’ capacity to establish long-term policy objectives and build trusted relationships with other leaders.
On Tuesday, Kishida and his Cabinet ministers are set to resign, paving the way for Ishiba to be formally elected in a parliamentary vote. He has indicated that he will then establish a new Cabinet later the same day.
Kishida extended his congratulations to Ishiba on his victory, stating that his election marks the first step toward a new era for the Liberal Democratic Party.
“The LDP will be reborn and will live up to the people’s expectations and achieve results,” he said. As Japan faces security tensions in the region and elsewhere, Japan must step up its own defence power and its ties with the United States, he said.
The main opposition party, the liberal-leaning Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, has faced challenges in gaining traction despite the scandals surrounding the LDP. Experts note that its newly elected leader, centrist former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, is advocating for a conservative shift within the party to appeal to swing voters.
Amid this political landscape, many voters have expressed optimism that Ishiba will usher in positive changes to Japanese politics.
“I think the LDP made a wise decision,” said Takeshi Irita, a 64-year-old engineer. “He is among the most realistic and stable ones and his mindset is relatively closer to the public.”
Hideko Arakawa, an 84-year-old retiree, expressed her high expectations for Ishiba, citing his extensive experience as a veteran lawmaker. “I hope he strives to make changes in Japan,” she stated.
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