Shigeru Ishiba (standing), the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is elected prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on October 1, 2024.

LDP Ishiba elected Japan’s new PM amid economic, security fears

TOKYO (kyodonews) -- Shigeru Ishiba, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was elected Japan’s new prime minister by parliament on Tuesday to replace Fumio Kishida, at a time of low public confidence in politics, a shaky economy and mounting security threats.
His endorsement by both houses of parliament sets the stage for a general election on Oct. 27, despite growing criticism from the opposition bloc about the timing of the poll, which delayed Tuesday’s parliamentary vote at the last minute.
Long seen as a maverick and security expert, the 67-year-old Ishiba is likely to face a challenging start to his premiership as he seeks to restore voter trust in the scandal-hit ruling party and mend intraparty divisions that have deepened since the LDP leadership election.
Ishiba’s decision to call a snap election met resistance from opposition parties, which described his making of the announcement Monday even before his election as premier as “disrespectful” and “unconstitutional.”
On the opening day of an extraordinary Diet session, Ishiba secured 291 of the 461 votes cast in the House of Representatives and 143 of the 242 cast in the House of Councillors. He is expected to deliver his policy speech on Friday and dissolve the lower house on Oct. 9, eight days after taking office. Ishiba gave the key posts of foreign and defense minister to two of his supporters who share similar views on Japan’s global role and responsibilities. Some of those who ran against Ishiba in the LDP’s race also received Cabinet positions.
Taking the helm of the LDP in his fifth attempt, Ishiba faces a delicate balancing act as he tries to form a stable government and reduce intraparty friction. Ishiba gave two former premiers, Taro Aso and Yoshihide Suga, who still wield influence over LDP members, the symbolic posts of supreme advisor and vice president, respectively.
Ishiba has indicated he will not deviate from the economic policy implemented by Kishida, who focused on boosting wages. The incoming prime minister has emphasized it is vital for Japan to promote robust wage growth as private consumption lacks vigor, saying the Bank of Japan should maintain accommodative monetary conditions.

(Latest Update October 2, 2024)