Shigeru Ishiba is the new Prime Minister of Japan

Last Updated on September 28, 2024 10:25 am

Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been elected as the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers. He is going to be the next prime minister of the country. News from AFP

Ishiba, 67, defeated Sanai Takaichi, a staunch nationalist and disciple of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, to become party leader. Takaichi would have been Japan’s first female prime minister if she had won.

These two occupied the top position among the nine candidates in the first phase. Ishiba won 215 to 194 votes in the runoff vote on Friday.

After the election results were announced at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Ishiba smiled and removed his glasses. After wiping his tearful eyes, he repeatedly bowed his head in the Japanese manner and expressed his gratitude and respect to his teammates who came to greet him.

In a short speech, he said, I want to trust people. I want to tell the truth with courage and sincerity. I want to keep this country safe and secure, so that everyone can live here again with a smile.

Ishiba was defeated by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2012. Abe was assassinated after leading the country for the longest time in Japan’s history.

The conservative LDP party has ruled the country for decades. They also have a majority in Parliament.

Naturally, Ishiba will be formally elected as the country’s prime minister in parliament on Tuesday.

Ishiba, a 70s pop star, claims that he has proved his eligibility for the post of prime minister by implementing some other important measures including reforms in the agricultural sector.

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