Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, making the way for her to become the country’s first female prime minister. This comes after Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in a runoff vote, AP reported.
According to a report by Reuters, the ruling party selected Takaichi in an effort to restore public confidence, which has waned amid rising living costs and growing support for opposition parties advocating for stricter immigration policies.
Parliament is expected to hold a vote on October 15 to formally select a new prime minister to succeed Shigeru Ishiba.
Who is Sanae Takaichi?
Sanae Takaichi, a conservative politician, is a graduate of Kobe University. She began her career as an author and television broadcaster before stepping into politics.
If she succeeds Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Takaichi will make history as Japan’s first female prime minister. Her election also marks the first time a woman has been elected to head the LDP since its founding.
She is also a member of the House of Representatives and has previously held several key cabinet positions under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
‘Want to turn anxieties into hope’: Takaichi
In her speech before the second-round vote, Takaichi said she had heard “harsh voices” from across the country and wanted to turn those “anxieties” into “hope”.
“Recently, I have heard harsh voices from across the country saying we don’t know what the LDP stands for anymore,” said Takaichi in her speech before the second-round vote.
She added, “That sense of urgency drove me. I wanted to turn people’s anxieties about their daily lives and the future into hope.”
