Revealing the faces that can succeed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida

The Japan Times on August 17 quoted informed sources as saying that former Japanese Minister of Economic Security Kobayashi Takayuki (50 years old) will announce his candidacy for the position of LDP president on August 19.

Mr. Kobayashi received support from young lawmakers. According to a lawmaker close to Mr. Kobayashi, his colleague received the support of more than 20 lawmakers from the ruling LDP.

“I will listen to the voices of my colleagues and make my own decision,” Mr. Kobayashi said during a visit to Niigata Prefecture on August 17.

LDP lawmaker Kobayashi Takayuki answers reporters at Yasukuni Shrine on August 15.

Meanwhile, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa (63 years old) mentioned his intention to succeed Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to some lawmakers close to Mr. Kishida.

Sources said Mr. Hayashi will announce his candidacy after coordinating with lawmakers from Mr. Kishida's faction. Mr. Hayashi has extensive experience in the Japanese cabinet, having held several ministerial positions. Before becoming a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, he was elected to the upper house five times.

Another name is Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, 71, who has begun campaigning to get 20 nominations from LDP lawmakers, the minimum number to run. Ms. Kamikawa has focused on seeking support from a group of lawmakers who promote policies for women. However, she has been criticized for a speech in May in which she questioned the value of women who do not have children.

Several other lawmakers have expressed interest in running for LDP president, including former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu, Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro, Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae and current LDP Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu.

In January, Prime Minister Kishida announced that he would disband his faction in the LDP following a political funding scandal at the party. The LDP will decide on August 20 whether to hold internal elections on September 20 or September 27.

On August 14, Fumio Kishida announced that he would not seek re-election as LDP president, amid low approval ratings for him and his cabinet following a scandal. The winner of the upcoming election will become LDP leader and will be appointed prime minister of Japan, as the party holds a majority in parliament.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lo-dien-nhung-guong-mat-co-the-ke-nhiem-thu-tuong-nhat-ban-kishida-185240818095149262.htm