Shigeru Ishiba Elected as new PM of Japan; Emphasis on Defence and Security
Ishiba Takes Over for Kishida Amid Scandals
Japan’s parliament has chosen Shigeru Ishiba as its latest prime minister, replacing Fumio Kishida, who resigned after problems plagued his government from the start. Among Ishiba’s key challenges are the rebuilding of public trust in government and addressing national security threats from China and North Korea. He will also oversee economic reforms and fall parliamentary election that is due on October 27.
The New united Front in the Cabinet for Defense and Security
In Ishibas administration, defense and security are paramount, so first thing after taking office was to set up a new Cabinet. And he named two former defense ministers, Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense minister, reinforcing his plans for boosting Japan’s military alliances. Ishiba targeted creating a better regional security regime and a less aligned Japan-U. S. defense partnership.
In Ishiba’s cabinet baraold hypothetical administration, Junko Mihara as children’s policy minister and Toshiko Abe education minister are the only women in key posts. Japan ranks poorly in global gender-equality tables, and the pressure will remain on the government to upgrade womens’ representation.
Need for a Parliament Election
In a statement Saturday, Ishiba requested a parliamentary election on Oct. 27 in order to secure the public mandate he needs to revitalize Japan. He said he wanted to take on the challenges ahead and earn the people’s trust, saying his government “won’t shy away from any challenge” and would “deliver.
But opposition parties have criticized the election being rushed and left with no time for debates on his policies. Ishiba is said to be weighing whether or not to dissolve the lower house on September 21 though parliament sessions will go through October 9.
Emphasis on National Security and Defense Policy.
As the veteran of three top cabinet posts, Ishiba is a national security expert who promises to shore up Japan’s military partnerships, and wants an “Asian edition” of NATO. Trump has called for equal management of U.S. bases in Japan and even base such as Japanese military-controlled areas in the United States — a testament to his desire for an equilibrium between Japan-U. S. security relationship. He also focused on the need to address rivalries with China, North Korea and Russia.
This could include integrating existing security alliances, like the Quad that links America, Japan, India and Australia) and upgrading diplomatic relations with other region countries to confront China.
Economic winds and more of Kishida in office
Even as he emphasizes the need for a strong defense, Ishiba has promised to carry on with Kishida’s economic policies as they aim to drag Japan out of deflation and toward real wage hikes. He is also working to reverse Japan’s falling birthrate, aging population, and the nation’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The race will be a critical test for Ishiba and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has ruled Japanese politics since the end of World War II. Ishiba’s moderate positions could help the party mend fences with voters following the scandals that dogged Kishida’s rule.
Risks ahead, uncertain future
Ishiba faces no trivial tasks if he becomes the new prime minister under the condition of winning the intra-party election. Most of his Cabinet members, including Ishiba himself, are not one of the heavyweight figures who lead dominant factions within the party. Ishiba — who, by failing to have a secure internal power base, leaves his government open not only to being internally undermined but even brought down entirely… And in fact many people say party unity could prove the downfall of Ishiba´s government.
But Ishiba is ready to soldier on: “I will clearly explain my policies and ideas, meet with the public directly… and try to persuade them.
Yet, as Japan readies for an October 27 parliament election, Ishiba will need to show he can both handle internal party politics and external security dangers while meeting the nation’s economic needs.