In a historic move, Shigeru Ishiba is poised to become Japan's next prime minister as parliament gears up for a crucial vote on Tuesday. The veteran lawmaker, known for his resilience and leadership, won a closely contested race to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is now on track to take the helm of the country.
With his party's majority in parliament, Ishiba is virtually assured of being formally designated as premier, setting the stage for a new era in Japanese politics. The vote is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. (0440 GMT), followed by the Emperor's appointment ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Ishiba is also expected to address the media at a press conference later in the day.
As Ishiba prepares to lead Japan into the future, he has already begun assembling his cabinet with key appointments. Notable figures include Katsunobu Kato as finance minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi as chief cabinet secretary, Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister, and Gen Nakatani as defense minister, among others.
However, one notable absence from Ishiba's picks is Sanae Takaichi, his rival in the recent leadership race. Takaichi's exclusion could pose challenges for Ishiba as he navigates a complex political landscape marred by scandals and waning public support within the ruling party.
Overall, Ishiba's ascension to the role of prime minister marks a significant turning point in Japanese politics. His leadership and vision for the country's future will play a crucial role in shaping Japan's trajectory in the upcoming general election and beyond.
