Sanae Takaichi won the election as head of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday and will become the nation's first female prime minister. The 64-year-old former economic security minister defeated Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff after securing backing from 159 LDP members. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation earlier this month to prevent a party split after the LDP lost its parliamentary majority.
Takaichi called for party unity and said rebuilding requires help from all generations. An extraordinary parliamentary session in mid-October will formally select the new prime minister. The LDP leader previously expressed admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and advocated for tougher stances on China and increased military spending.
She has criticized Russia over the Ukraine conflict and questioned Moscow's status as a partner in World War II peace treaty negotiations with Tokyo. Takaichi appeared to moderate her positions before the leadership vote and described Beijing as an important neighbor. She emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral ties and characterized herself as a moderate conservative.
Takaichi called for party unity and said rebuilding requires help from all generations. An extraordinary parliamentary session in mid-October will formally select the new prime minister. The LDP leader previously expressed admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and advocated for tougher stances on China and increased military spending.
She has criticized Russia over the Ukraine conflict and questioned Moscow's status as a partner in World War II peace treaty negotiations with Tokyo. Takaichi appeared to moderate her positions before the leadership vote and described Beijing as an important neighbor. She emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral ties and characterized herself as a moderate conservative.
