Japan Next Leader – LN24

#Politics
Japan Next Leader

Loveworld / 60 mins

August 15, 2024

1 min read

Former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his candidacy to replace Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, expressing his willingness to “fulfill his duty” if he secures enough support, according to NHK.
Other potential contenders include Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Digital Minister Taro Kono, and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
Political experts suggest that the LDP needs to choose a fresh face free from current scandals to remain competitive in the general election expected by the third quarter of 2025.
Political analyst Atsuo Ito warned, “If the LDP selects a leader who fails to address public concerns over political funding scandals, the party could face a significant defeat. The new leader must be someone young with no connections to the current administration, capable of presenting a revamped LDP.”