As of: 09/29/2021 09:29 AM
Former Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida has been elected as the new chairman of the ruling LDP party. On Monday he is also expected to take over the post of the criticized Prime Minister Suga.
The Japanese ruling party LDP has elected Fumio Kishida as its new chairman. Kishida prevailed in a vote against three competitors, succeeding Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at the head of the Liberal Democratic Party. It is very likely that he will succeed Suga as head of government.
The 64-year-old Kishida was formerly the Japanese foreign minister. He received 257 votes in the second round of the internal party vote. The popular minister Taro Kono, who is currently responsible for the corona vaccination program, lost with 170 votes.
Suga last received a review
The Liberal Democrats needed new leadership after Suga, who took office a year ago to succeed Shinzo Abe, announced his retirement in early September.
Suga was recently criticized. It was triggered by the government’s response to the pandemic, which many citizens perceive to be inadequate, and Suga’s decision not to cancel the Olympic Games, contrary to the advice of numerous experts.
Kishida before the prime ministerial election
The approval rating for the Prime Minister then slumped. The party hopes that a new chairman will bring a boost to the upcoming parliamentary election.
Kishida could be elected as the new prime minister by parliament next Monday. The Liberal Democrats and their coalition partner have a majority of the mandates.