Former defence minister Ishiba to become Japan's PM after winning ruling party vote

NEWS WIRES

26 September 2024 at 7:45 pm·2-min read

Former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japan's next prime minister after emerging triumphant from the final round of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership vote Friday. Ishiba narrowly edged out former prime minister Shinzo Abe's protegée Sanae Takaichi, who if successful would have become the first woman to serve as the country's prime minister.

Former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba will become Japan's next prime minister after winning the ruling party's leadership vote on Friday, the official count showed.

Ishiba, 67, beat arch-nationalist Sanae Takaichi – who would have been the country's first ever woman leader – in a run-off.

After his victory was announced at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo, Ishiba smiled and took off his glasses to wipe his teary eyes, bowing repeatedly as his associates congratulated him.

"I will do my utmost to believe in the people, to speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and to make this country a safe and secure place where everyone can live with a smile on their face once again," he said in a short speech.

Ishiba has come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to nationalist Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader who was later assassinated.

The military model-maker with an affinity for 1970s pop idols says his experience tackling tough social issues, such as agriculture reforms, makes him qualified for the job.

But his rule was also tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings.

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