Tokyo, Oct 7 (AP) - Japan's ruling party has appointed a new leader: Sanae Takaichi, a former Economic Security Minister and hard-line conservative poised to potentially become Japan's first female prime minister.
Takaichi, 64, now faces the challenge of maintaining power for her long-standing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and regaining public confidence. She plans to address issues like inflation and diplomatic relations, particularly concerning former US President Donald Trump.
A dedicated advocate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative ideals, Takaichi risks losing the LDP's coalition partner, the centrist Komeito party, due to her extreme conservative stance. Her controversial views on Japan's wartime past and her repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, often seen as a militaristic symbol, may also impact relations with Beijing and Seoul.
She must choose between adhering to her conservative ideology, potentially losing her coalition partner, or shifting towards the center, which might distance her existing supporters.
The parliamentary vote scheduled for mid-October, coupled with rising prices, forms the backdrop for Takaichi's immediate challenges. The LDP is the largest party in the lower house—responsible for appointing the national leader—despite not having a majority in either house after recent electoral losses. The disarray among opposition parties further strengthens her position.
Restoring support by tackling rising prices will be crucial for Takaichi's leadership, as will managing a planned summit with Donald Trump, linked to his visit to Asia for international conferences. Trump congratulated Takaichi on social media, calling her Japan's “first female prime minister” and commending her as “a well-respected figure with great wisdom and strength.” Takaichi responded, emphasizing her hopes for a stronger Japan-US alliance under his leadership.
In her maiden press conference as LDP leader, Takaichi stressed the importance of the Japan-US alliance while advocating for expanded trilateral partnerships with nations like South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. She also assured continuity with existing tariffs and investment arrangements established under current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and the Trump administration.
Securing cooperation from opposition parties will be pivotal for Takaichi’s government. While the LDP intends to include Komeito and other opposition parties in their coalition, Komeito has expressed concerns over Takaichi’s staunch positions. Its leader, Tetsuo Saito, warned of exiting the coalition unless she moderates her stance.
Takaichi's initial party appointments signal the influence of Taro Aso, a conservative leader who supported her candidacy. Allies of Aso and other pro-Takaichi individuals have been granted top party roles. Discussions with opposition figures continue, though a potential coalition with the Democratic Party for the People remains uncertain.
Takaichi may also consider rewarding her supporters from the runoff vote with key positions. Potential appointees include Toshimitsu Motegi, who has held significant ministerial roles. However, plans to involve former Abe faction members linked to scandals have drawn public criticism, prompting objections from Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the largest opposition party, the centrist Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Noda criticized Takaichi's decision, labeling it as “entirely unacceptable.”
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