Takaichi on Track to Become Japan’s First Female PM
(MENAFN) Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s former Economic Security Minister, has emerged victorious in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election, positioning herself to become the nation's first-ever female prime minister.
The vote, held Saturday, followed the announcement by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that he would step down in a bid to prevent further division within the party. Under Ishiba’s leadership, the LDP has seen its majority erode in both houses of parliament.
Takaichi triumphed in a tense run-off against Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, after none of the five contenders secured a majority in the initial round of voting. She clinched the top spot with 159 LDP members backing her, defeating Koizumi by 29 votes.
"I am feeling how tough it is going to be from here on, rather than feeling happy," the 64-year-old remarked. "I will scrap my work-life balance and work, and work, and work, and work."
In her victory speech, Takaichi emphasized the need for unity within the LDP, urging all factions to come together. "We will not be able to rebuild the party if I do not get everyone’s help, from all generations," she stated.
An extraordinary session of the Japanese parliament is scheduled for mid-October, where Takaichi is expected to be formally appointed as the new prime minister. The opposition has yet to unite behind a single candidate, ensuring her path to office is clear.
Takaichi has long been associated with the party’s right wing, advocating for a firmer stance on China and greater military spending. She has also been vocal in her criticism of Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that Moscow should not be recognized as a legitimate partner in Second World War peace treaty talks with Japan.
Ahead of the leadership vote, Takaichi seemed to moderate her position, expressing a desire to be seen as "more of a moderate conservative now." She also called Beijing an “important neighbor” and underscored the importance of strengthening ties with China moving forward.
Takaichi, who has expressed admiration for the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, once dubbed "The Iron Lady," cited the former leader’s blend of strength and "womanly warmth" as a source of personal inspiration.
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