As Prime minister Shigeru Ishiba‘s departure from office appears increasingly likely, key figures within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are intensifying their efforts to secure the leadership position.
Sanae Takaichi, the former LDP policy chief, who secured the top spot in the initial round of the previous party leadership election before ultimately losing to Ishiba in the runoff, is reportedly harboring a strong ambition to become Japan‘s first female prime minister.
Prior to the LDP’s meaningful defeat in the recent House of Councillors election, Takaichi declared her resolve on July 18 in her home prefecture of Nara, located in western Japan, stating, “I’ve made up my mind.”
Following the election results on Wednesday, Takaichi convened a meeting with approximately ten close lawmakers, including Upper House member Hiroshi Yamada. The gathering took place at a residential facility designated for House of Representatives members in Tokyo.
Additionally, Takaichi met with Taro Aso, a former Prime Minister and current LDP supreme adviser, who leads the party’s sole remaining faction.
