Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Selects New Leader, Faces Governing challenges
Sanae Takaichi has emerged as the new leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) following a run-off vote against Shinjiro Koizumi on Saturday. The result came after no candidate secured a majority in the initial round of voting. Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, would have become Japan’s youngest prime minister in over a century had he won.
Takaichi, 64, previously served as economic security minister and is positioned on the right-wing of the LDP. A parliamentary vote to confirm the next prime minister is scheduled for October 15th.
The LDP’s internal election involved approximately 295 parliamentarians and one million party members – representing just 1% of the Japanese electorate. while Takaichi is expected to succeed current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the LDP no longer commands a majority in either chamber of parliament following recent elections. This necessitates cooperation with opposition parties to govern effectively. The party is anticipated to broaden its coalition beyond its current partnership with the centrist Komeito, potentially including one or more of the more moderate opposition groups.
The incoming leader will confront notable national challenges, including a rapidly ageing population, geopolitical instability, a struggling economy, and increasing public concerns regarding immigration. A key priority will be restoring public trust in the LDP, which has been the dominant governing force in Japan since 1955.
During the campaign, both Takaichi and Koizumi addressed anxieties surrounding immigration, echoing rhetoric from the rising populist party Sanseito, which frames immigration as a threat. Takaichi advocated for a “reconsideration” of policies regarding individuals from different cultural backgrounds, while Koizumi highlighted concerns about illegal employment and public safety. This focus on immigration represents a shift in tone from mainstream Japanese politicians, given that foreign-born residents constitute only 3% of the population.
Economically,Takaichi has historically supported aggressive monetary easing and substantial fiscal spending,mirroring the policies of her mentor,former Prime Minister Shinzo abe. However, she presented a more tempered economic stance during the campaign. She has also adopted a more moderate tone regarding China.
Despite the historic nature of a woman leading the LDP, experts express skepticism about takaichi’s commitment to women’s rights and gender equality. Yuki Tsuji, a professor at Tokai University, stated that Takaichi “has no interest in women’s rights or gender equality policies.”
Concerns were also raised during the campaign about Koizumi’s depth of experience, with some observers questioning the sustainability of his popularity beyond the campaign trail.
The next leader will also face immediate diplomatic pressures, including a potential summit with United States President Donald Trump in late October.Trump is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, beginning October 31st, and may seek increased defense spending from Japan.
