Japan’s incoming PM Ishiba calls snap vote

by | Sep 30, 2024 | World

Newly-elected Shigeru Ishiba emphasises need for immediate public approval of new administration.Japan’s incoming prime minister has said he will call snap elections for October 27 after winning his governing party’s leadership.
“It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible,” Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday at a news conference at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo.
Ishiba, who was recently elected to lead the party, is due to be confirmed as prime minister by legislators in parliament’s lower house, which is controlled by an LDP coalition, on Tuesday.
The election next month will decide on the makeup of the parliament. The LDP has had a nearly unbroken tenure governing Japan since World War II.
Although not yet in office, Ishiba said he had announced the election date early for the logistical convenience of those who have to prepare on relatively short notice.
On Monday, Ishiba began picking government and party officials to contest the election alongside him.
So far, the cabinet includes two of the premier’s rivals in the leadership race. Katsunobu Kato will be finance minister and Yoshimasa Hayashi will remain chief cabinet secretary, a pivotal post that includes the role of top government spokesman, two sources familiar with the appointments told the Reuters news agency.
A close Ishiba ally, Takeshi Iwaya, a former defence chief, will take over as foreign minister, while Gen Nakatani will return …

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