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Shigeru Ishiba Confirmed as Japan's New Prime Minister Amid Snap Election Call
Shigeru Ishiba has been confirmed as Japan's new Prime Minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida. Ishiba is set to lead the country into a snap election on October 27.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-01
Shigeru Ishiba Confirmed as Japan's New Prime Minister Amid Snap Election Call

Japan's parliament has officially confirmed Shigeru Ishiba as the new Prime Minister, following his leadership win in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The 67-year-old politician takes over from Fumio Kishida, who stepped down after a series of political scandals plagued his administration. Ishiba was appointed after securing a narrow victory in the LDP leadership contest, defeating hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi by a vote of 215 to 194, marking one of the closest elections in nearly seven decades.

 

In a swift transition, Ishiba unveiled a cabinet of 19 ministers, including notable appointments such as former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato as finance minister, Gen Nakatani as defence minister, and Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister. However, his cabinet has drawn criticism for its gender representation, featuring only two women compared to five in the outgoing cabinet. Junko Mihara will handle children's policies, while Toshiko Abe is set to oversee education.

 

Ishiba's first significant action as Prime Minister was to call for a snap general election scheduled for October 27, a decision announced before his formal appointment. This move has faced backlash from opposition parties, who argue it allows insufficient time for meaningful policy discussions. The parliamentary vote confirming Ishiba’s leadership was briefly interrupted by opposition protests, hinting at potential challenges for his administration.

 

During his address before the parliamentary vote, Ishiba expressed his commitment to engaging directly with the public to discuss policies sincerely, stating, "My government will not shy away from challenges." He is expected to dissolve parliament on October 9 to kick off the election campaign.

 

As he steps into office, Ishiba is tasked with navigating critical issues, including Japan's security amid global tensions, particularly with Russia's war in Ukraine, as well as addressing the declining birthrate and ongoing economic and political reforms within the country. Outgoing Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of pursuing key policies that will shape Japan's future, reflecting the urgency of the challenges ahead.

 

Ishiba's leadership marks a significant moment in Japanese politics, as the LDP has dominated the country's political landscape for much of the last 80 years. His success in rallying support within the party will be critical as he seeks to unify efforts and respond to the pressing needs of the nation.

 
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