Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has commenced its leadership vote on Friday to select the country’s next prime minister. Leading contenders include former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba, nationalist Sanae Takaichi, and Shinjiro Koizumi, a political upstart who could become Japan’s youngest leader.
With the LDP holding a majority in parliament, the winner will likely assume the premiership and could call an early general election. The new leader will face pressing challenges, including regional security threats from China and North Korea, as well as revitalizing Japan’s sluggish economy.
Outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is not seeking re-election, leaves office amid public discontent fueled by scandals and rising inflation.
News Editor