After five tries, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba will finally lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party – and Japan.
The veteran Ishiba, who has also served as party secretary-general, won the LDP presidential election on Sept. 27, defeating economic security minister Sanae Takaichi in a runoff vote.
Ishiba won the runoff with 215 votes against Takaichi, who garnered 194 votes.
In his inaugural news conference as president on Sept. 27, Ishiba emphasized that one of his top priorities would be to rebuild voter trust in the LDP – which had been heavily damaged by a political slush funds scandal.
Ishiba was set to be named prime minister on Oct. 1 after a parliamentary vote. However, in a highly unusual move, the incoming prime minister announced on Sept. 30 that he plans to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election on Oct. 27.
“I believe it’s important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible,” he said at a news conference held at the party’s headquarters.
It is the legal duty, as well as the custom, for a sitting prime minister to decide when parliament is to be dissolved and a general election held. (The Japan Times)
毎週届く！
