Japan's LDP Elects Takaichi: Potential First Female PM

Tokyo, Oct 6 (AP) Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has elected its new leader, former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, setting her on a path to potentially become the country's first female prime minister.

Takaichi, 64, is tasked with revitalizing the LDP's image, as well as addressing key domestic and international issues, including rising prices and diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States under President Donald Trump. She is an ardent supporter of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative policies, and her position risks straining ties with the LDP's long-term coalition partner, Komeito, a centrist Buddhist-backed party, due to her views on wartime history and visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which are perceived as militaristic by some Asian neighbors.

Faced with the choice of adhering to her ideological stance or seeking a more centrist position, Takaichi anticipates a parliamentary vote in mid-October that could confirm her leadership. The LDP, despite lacking a majority due to recent electoral setbacks, remains the largest party in the lower house, granting significant influence in appointing Japan's leader amid fragmented opposition parties.

Her immediate challenge is to address rising costs and regain voter trust, along with preparing for a potential summit with President Trump, who is expected in Asia for international events later this month. During her initial press conference as LDP leader, Takaichi emphasized the importance of the Japan-US alliance, while advocating for stronger trilateral partnerships with South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. She also pledged to honor existing tariffs and investment agreements made under the administration of current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Trump.

Collaboration with opposition parties remains a pressing yet delicate task, as the LDP looks to strengthen its coalition with Komeito by potentially including an additional opposition party. Yet, Takaichi risks losing Komeito's support, as its leader, Tetsuo Saito, expressed concerns regarding her conservative positions.

In particular, Saito highlighted Takaichi’s stance on historical revisionism, her visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, and stricter immigration policies, suggesting that Komeito would reconsider their 26-year partnership if these positions are maintained.

In her role as party president, Takaichi's priority is to appoint LDP leadership roles, a lineup expected to be announced soon. She is anticipated to leverage the influence of former Prime Minister Taro Aso, a key supporter in her recent party victory, by appointing him as deputy prime minister and positioning his relative, former Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, as party secretary-general.

Takaichi has also met with the Democratic Party for the People to explore potential cooperation, although previous coalition discussions with the Japan Innovation Party, led by Shinjiro Koizumi, remain uncertain following her runoff victory.

Speculation suggests Takaichi may reward her supporters from the party election runoff, including Toshimitsu Motegi, considered for a prominent diplomatic role due to his close ties with Aso and experience in key ministerial positions such as foreign and trade ministries. (AP) SKS SKS

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