The Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership race has kicked off with a record nine candidates offering diverse visions for Japan’s future. With a focus on the economy, security, and demographic challenges, the contenders include both younger lawmakers and seasoned politicians. Leading the pack are former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who have captured public attention despite the party’s declining support following a political funds scandal. Ishiba and Koizumi are distancing themselves from the current administration under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, yet they remain popular choices among voters. Source link

Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato’s entry into the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership race has injected a new level of uncertainty into an already intricate competition. Kato, who announced his candidacy on Tuesday, joins a crowded field of contenders vying for the presidency in a closely watched election set for September 27th. During his press conference, Kato highlighted his extensive experience in government, particularly his time serving under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He outlined his vision for the party, promising to continue the legacy of past administrations while pledging to double household income and strengthen national crisis management…

Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has announced his bid for the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership, emphasizing the need for genuine transformation within the party. Koizumi expressed his intention to call for a snap election if chosen as the next leader, highlighting the urgency for reform in the country’s current political landscape. During a press conference on Friday, Koizumi stressed the importance of selecting a leader who can expedite reform rather than just advocate for it. He stated, “I would like to seek the people’s trust in my plan to change the country,” underscoring his commitment to bring about significant change.…

Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi has officially entered the race for the party’s leadership, unveiling a bold plan to revitalize Japan’s economy without burdening taxpayers. Motegi emphasized the importance of promoting policies that do not require a tax increase, reassuring the public that this approach will not compromise existing initiatives but rather address concerns about financial strain. His stance diverges from the current government’s agenda, led by outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who recently announced a tax hike to fund increased defense spending. The exact date of the tax increase remains undecided within the ruling party, while plans to…

Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has declared his candidacy for the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, marking his fifth attempt at the position in over three decades of political service. Emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in politics, Ishiba made his announcement at Watari Shrine in Tottori Prefecture, his home constituency. He expressed his commitment to restoring public trust in light of recent scandals that have tarnished the party’s reputation. “Only through upholding the highest standards of integrity and ensuring that politics serves the people, not personal gain, can the LDP regain the trust of the people,” Ishiba stated,…

Former leader Yukio Edano is making a comeback in the political arena by announcing his intention to run for the presidency of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Despite resigning in 2021 due to electoral setbacks, Edano is determined to lead the party to challenge the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s stronghold and bring about change in Nagatacho’s political landscape. During a press conference, Edano emphasized the importance of facing Japan’s current crisis head-on and ensuring the party’s policies are transparent and accessible to the public. He believes that delaying his candidacy would only further stagnate the country’s political progress. With…

It was announced that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not be participating in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, citing low poll numbers and tensions within the party as contributing factors. Despite previous indications suggesting Kishida may still enter the race and attempt to win over party members, ultimately he has decided to step back. The government’s approval ratings had hit a low point during the recent session of parliament, but there has been a slight uptick in the past few weeks. This decision not to run for re-election may come as a disappointment to some, as Kishida had…

Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent trip to Taiwan has provided him with a unique opportunity to showcase his foreign policy expertise as he gears up for the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election. With Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s announcement of stepping down, internal party dynamics are set to intensify, making it a crucial moment for Ishiba to solidify his position. During his visit to Taipei as the co-leader of a delegation focused on security issues, Ishiba engaged in meetings with key Taiwanese officials, including President Lai Ching-te and former President Tsai Ing-wen. This trip not only amplified Ishiba’s media…

In a surprising announcement, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared that he will not be running in the upcoming ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election. This decision ensures that Japan will soon have a new leader at the helm. Kishida emphasized the need for change within the LDP, stating that stepping aside is the best way to demonstrate a shift in the party’s direction. He highlighted the importance of trust in politics and politicians, noting that key policies cannot move forward without it. With Kishida bowing out of the presidential race, the path is now open for a new leader to…

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is pushing for a quick discussion within the Liberal Democratic Party about amending Japan’s pacifist Constitution. This move seems to be an attempt to gain support from the conservative faction of the party ahead of an upcoming leadership election. At a meeting regarding constitutional reform, Kishida emphasized the need to explicitly reference the Self Defense Forces in the Constitution and to include a provision allowing lawmakers’ terms to be extended in times of national crisis— two key components of the party’s reform agenda. He urged party members to move beyond mere discussions and take action to…