Fierce competition to replace Kishida Fumio as Japanese Prime Minister

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on August 14 that he will not seek re-election as LDP president in the September election. The party's election committee is expected to decide on the date of the vote next week, according to NHK.

The winner will become LDP leader and will be appointed Prime Minister of Japan because the party holds a majority in parliament.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at a press conference in Tokyo on August 14.

Many promising faces

Many candidates have expressed their intention to run. Former LDP Secretary General Ishiba Shigeru said on August 14 that he would run if he received the support and recommendation of 20 colleagues.

Current Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu has also been active in joining the race. According to NHK, Mr. Motegi met with LDP Vice President Aso Taro on the evening of August 14 to discuss how to respond to Mr. Kishida's decision.

Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro also conveyed his election plans last week to Mr. Aso, who heads a faction within the LDP of which Mr. Kono is a member.

Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae has met with LDP lawmakers close to her. Meanwhile, some party members hope that former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi will run. In addition, Noda Seiko, who ran in the last election, has also been mentioned in the race this time.

New wind

In an announcement on August 14, Prime Minister Kishida said he would not seek re-election as party president to take responsibility for the scandals that have befallen the LDP during his tenure. The leader hopes that a new face at the helm can help the cabinet regain support before the next general election, scheduled for next year.

Observers say that with the need for freshness, it could be an advantage for younger candidates like Mr. Koizumi Shinjiro (43 years old), son of former Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro. In addition, the LDP could also consider choosing a female candidate to replace him. If this happens, she will be Japan's first female prime minister. In addition to Ms. Takaichi and Ms. Noda, current Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko is also considered a promising face.

Political analysts also say the prospect of a change in economic policy under the new leader seems remote. Markets have been volatile recently, in part, due to the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates in late July, a decision that Motegi, Kono and Ishiba all supported. Kono and Ishiba lost to Kishida in the previous election, in which Takaichi called for further monetary easing.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/canh-tranh-gay-gat-thay-the-ong-kishida-fumio-lam-thu-tuong-nhat-ban-185240815113800838.htm