Japan: Shigeru Ishiba will be the new prime minister

Ish-ministri i Mbrojtjes Shigeru Ishiba përfaqëson një largim nga linja e deritashme konservatore nacionaliste e Partisë Liberaldemokrate në Japoni.

2024-09-28 08:16:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Former Japanese defense minister Shigeru Ishiba won the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election on Friday and is expected to become Japan's next prime minister.

In a very close vote, the veteran defeated Sanae Takaichi, a rare female leader in Japanese politics. This vote comes after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in August that he would not run again.

The LDP, which has ruled Japan for most of the post-war period, has a majority in parliament and therefore elects the prime ministers.

Ishiba to strengthen military
Ishiba has spoken in favor of increasing military spending and has also called for the creation of an Asian version of NATO. The former defense minister believes that the Japanese military should be able to respond decisively in the event of a violation of airspace or territorial waters.

China's growing military power and more aggressive foreign policy have brought about a change in neighboring Japan. Tokyo is bidding farewell to decades of pacifist policy, launching its biggest wave of military spending since World War II.

Asked on Friday about his proposals for an Asian NATO, Ishiba said: "Japan wants to take its proactive responsibility and start discussions on how to build peace in this region."

Earlier this week, Tokyo sent a warship to the sensitive Taiwan Strait for the first time to convey a message to China, according to Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, in a report citing several government officials.

Fifth time lucky
"We must believe in people, tell the truth with courage and sincerity, and work together to make Japan a safe place where everyone can live with a smile again," said an excited Ishiba. in a speech before the MPs after the victory.

Ishiba had tried four times to take over the leadership of the LDP, but had failed each time, most notably in 2012 against his arch-rival, the late Shinzo Abe, before winning this time./ DW