September 30th 2024.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been facing a series of crises, and now, they have elected a new leader, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba. He is all set to be appointed as the Prime Minister on Tuesday, taking over from Mr. Fumio Kishida, who had announced last month that he would not be running for re-election. The race for the top post saw a total of nine candidates, and despite being fairly popular among the public, this is Mr. Ishiba's fifth attempt to lead the LDP. In the past, he has lost to his arch-rival, the late PM Shinzo Abe, who was unfortunately assassinated in 2022.
Mr. Ishiba has been known for his honesty and willingness to criticize the current Prime Minister, which is quite uncommon in Japanese politics. While this has unsettled some of his party colleagues, it has resonated with the public. He is well-informed about the complexities of party dynamics and security policies, and his experience as a former defense minister has made him a strong advocate for Japan to strengthen its security measures. This is especially crucial considering recent territorial incursions by Russia and China, as well as the constant missile tests by North Korea.
Mr. Ishiba is also a proponent of sustainable development and has been vocal about transitioning from nuclear power to renewable energy, especially after the Fukushima disaster. He has also taken a progressive stance on gender-related issues, advocating for changes to a 19th-century civil code that requires married couples to choose one surname, usually the husband's. This has led to a majority of women taking their husband's surname, and Mr. Ishiba believes it is time for an update to this outdated law.
In his recent speeches, Mr. Ishiba has highlighted the struggles faced by Japanese women, who are among the shortest sleepers in the world due to their responsibilities at home and work. He has also pointed out the lack of support from Japanese husbands in childcare and household chores. Additionally, he supports legislation that would allow women to become reigning empresses, a proposition that has faced opposition from conservative lawmakers within the LDP.
The change in leadership comes at a difficult time for the party, as it has been rocked by scandals and internal conflicts. This transition is also an effort to regain the public's trust, which has been lost due to a stagnant economy and rising cost of living. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the financial strain on Japanese families, with a weak yen, slow economy, and soaring food prices. Wages have remained stagnant for three decades, putting immense pressure on households and leading to calls for a stimulus package. As a result, the LDP, which has been in power for most of Japan's post-war period, is losing public support.
Mr. Ishiba's party is now counting on his experience and expertise to counter the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party. They have recently appointed former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, known for his inspiring speeches, as their new leader. Despite being seen as an outsider within his own party, Mr. Ishiba's no-nonsense personality and his genuine concern for the people have contributed to his public appeal. His rise to the top post signifies a shift towards a leader who speaks the truth and puts the people first, without resorting to theatrics to gain power.
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