Japan Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has succeeded Fumio Kishida as the country’s prime minister. As expected, 67-year-old Ishiba was elected with the majority of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its small coalition partner Komeito in both houses of parliament. Ishiba appointed former defense minister Takeshi Iwaya as the new foreign minister. Gen Nakatani returned to the post of Defense Minister.
Both politicians contributed significantly to Ishiba becoming leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the fifth attempt. Because of the parliamentary majority of the party that has been in power almost continuously for decades, Ishiba was also assured of election as head of government of the G7 country. The political veteran wants to renew his party, which has been rocked by scandals, and secure the voters’ mandate in new elections on October 27th. The fragmented and weak opposition criticized the early election date.
Expansion of renewable energies targeted
Ishiba also faces major economic and foreign policy challenges. This includes China’s growing desire for power in the region and the threat posed by North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. Given the increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, Ishiba envisions the creation of NATO-style security cooperation in Asia. He suggested merging existing frameworks such as the respective security alliances of the protecting power USA with Japan and South Korea.
Ishiba served as Defense Minister from 2007 to 2008 and later as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Revitalization. He wants to significantly reduce the share of nuclear energy in his country’s energy supply and, in his own words, exploit the potential of renewable energies.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:241001-930-248546/1
Japan Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has succeeded Fumio Kishida as the country’s prime minister. As expected, 67-year-old Ishiba was elected with the majority of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its small coalition partner Komeito in both houses of parliament. Ishiba appointed former defense minister Takeshi Iwaya as the new foreign minister. Gen Nakatani returned to the post of Defense Minister.
Both politicians contributed significantly to Ishiba becoming leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the fifth attempt. Because of the parliamentary majority of the party that has been in power almost continuously for decades, Ishiba was also assured of election as head of government of the G7 country. The political veteran wants to renew his party, which has been rocked by scandals, and secure the voters’ mandate in new elections on October 27th. The fragmented and weak opposition criticized the early election date.
