The swearing in ceremony will take place on Oct 1.
TOKYO – Former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba has triumphed in his fifth bid to become Japan’s prime minister, emerging victorious in a crowded field of nine candidates in the running to succeed Mr Fumio Kishida.
Mr Kishida, meanwhile, alluding to a bruising battle that has exposed the chasms in political ideologies within the LDP, urged the party to unite behind Mr Ishiba.“Under a new leader, we must accelerate our efforts to break out of deflation and achieve a growth economy. We must also fundamentally strengthen defence and diplomacy, with the world now at a turning point in history,” he added.
These included revelations of the LDP’s cosy ties with the controversial Unification Church, which has been branded as a cult in some countries, and a massive slush fund scandal that implicated nearly one in five LDP lawmakers. Then there are imminent national elections, and Mr Ishiba has said he will dissolve the Parliament early to secure a strong public mandate.
The new prime minister will face off against a new leader of the opposition. On Sept 23, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan elected centrist former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, 67, as its leader.The LDP’s junior coalition partner, Komeito, will also have a fresh face in charge. Secretary-general Keiichi Ishii, 66, will succeed Mr Natsuo Yamaguchi, 72, as party chief on Sept 28, with the latter stepping down after 15 years at the helm.
He has also mooted the creation of a Disaster Management Agency and suggested that Japan should lead the creation of an Asian version of the Nato military alliance.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shigeru Ishiba is fifth time lucky in bid to become Japan’s PMThe swearing in ceremony will take place on Oct 1
Read more »
Ex-defence minister Ishiba set to become Japan's next prime ministerTOKYO - Veteran lawmaker Shigeru Ishiba was set on Friday (Sept 27) to become Japan's next prime minister after winning a closely fought contest in his fifth and final attempt to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Read more »
Ex-defence minister Ishiba set to become Japan's next prime ministerThe scramble to replace current premier Fumio Kishida was sparked in August when he announced his intention to step down over a series of scandals that plunged the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) ratings to record lows.
Read more »
Race to succeed Japan PM Kishida goes down to the wire between Ishiba and TakaichiResults for the run-off contest are due at around 3.30pm (2.30pm Singapore time)
Read more »
Japan's new prime minister to be elected by parliament on Oct 1Japan will elect its new prime minister on October 1 following a ruling party leadership contest next week. Three frontrunners, Sanae Takaichi, Shigeru Ishiba, and Shinjiro Koizumi, are vying for the position of head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The winner of the LDP election is expected to become Japan's new prime minister as the party holds a majority in parliament.
Read more »
Japan's Ruling Party Seeks New Leader Amidst Economic ChallengesAs Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) prepares to choose a new leader, three prominent contenders are vying for the top spot. Fumio Kishida, facing pressure over economic woes and scandals, has decided not to seek re-election. Leading the pack is former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who advocates for renewable energy and female emperors. Shinjiro Koizumi, son of a former prime minister, positions himself as a reformer with youthful appeal. Sanae Takaichi, representing the LDP's right wing, emphasizes economic growth.
Read more »